BUILD YOUR RETURNS
Deep return + close.
A deep return buys you time. This drill connects that return to the next job: arriving balanced at the kitchen line.
12 minutes · 2 players · Half court
What this drill builds
Send the return deep, then move forward under control instead of sprinting and arriving off balance.
Set up
One player serves from the baseline. The returner starts behind the opposite baseline and uses only one half of the court.
Make the rep useful
Common miss: Running through the kitchen line without a split-step.
A good rep: A return that clears safely, lands deep, and leaves you ready for the next ball.
The takeaway
A deep return buys time to reach the kitchen balanced, making it harder for the serving team to attack first.