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Shape drills

Using arc, direction, and spin—such as topspin or slice—to create margin and influence how the ball travels and bounces.

Drills in this collection

Choose a drill to practise

7 reviewed drills include this focus.See this theme in the glossary.

Charmin Drill

Repeat baseline drops that land in the kitchen or force the kitchen player to contact upward.

Level 3.0–5.0+ · 2, 4 players

Drip

Practise a third shot with more pace than a drop and more control than a drive, aimed at a moving opponent's feet.

Level 4.0–5.0+ · 2, 4 players

Drops and Drives from the Baseline

Compare drops and drives from every baseline angle with extra attention to crosscourt shape.

Level 3.0–5.0+ · 2, 4 players

Own-Kitchen Volley Reset

Calibrate a soft slice volley with an open, quiet paddle by landing it in your own kitchen, then add only enough swing to reset into the far kitchen.

Level 3.5–5.0+ · 2, 4 players

Reset Over Your Partner

Use a same-side partner as a height reference, then shape a soft, open-face slice reset over them and down into the opponent's kitchen.

Level 3.5–5.0+ · 4 players

Topspin or Slice Third-Shot Drop

Read the incoming return, then choose an assertive topspin drop or a safer slice drop that gives you time to advance.

Level 3.5–5.0+ · 2, 4 players

Wall Dinks

Begin with a cooperative touch rally at kitchen distance, then keep realistic dink exchanges alive while changing between attacking topspin and defensive slice.

Level 3.5–5.0+ · 1 players