Player feeds an easy lob to the coach, who then returns with a smash shot.
The player has to return the coach's shot using a defensive lob and then a forehand slice - note the coach should hold his/her racquet obove his/her head after the smash to give the player a target to aim over.
Repeat the drill, but the coach should hit the smash so the player has to return it using a backhand defensive shot and then a slice.
Coaching points
The power of the shot and the bounce of the ball after the smash are completely different than after a regular forehand or volley, so coaches should spend time on improving these returns.
Knowing how to counter this power (shorter backswing) and how to hit from a higher point of contact (shoulder level or above) are necessary skills to beat many net players.
Hitting a lob is one of the options that players should be comfortable with. and the coach's racquet is a good height indicator for the player to aim for.
Progression
For more advanced players, the coach can modify the drill and let them play a topspin lob after the smash.
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