Two Hand Back Hand Speed Up: 2

The main focus was speed-up initiation, counterattacking, and fast-hand exchanges at the kitchen line. The drill was structured so that only one player could initiate the speed-up. The coach would then counter every attack, forcing the player to expect the ball to come back immediately. The biggest tactical lesson was: once you start a fast-hands exchange, do not unnecessarily slow the ball down. The coach repeatedly corrected the tendency to reset balls that were still high enough to attack. Resetting in that situation gives the opponent time to regain the advantage. A simple rule was given: Above roughly knee level: counterattack. Very low ball: reset. When attacking off the bounce, the player should use a drop step and create space, especially if the ball is still rising. Trying to speed up a rising ball too early makes the shot much harder. The coach emphasized waiting for a better contact point rather than forcing the attack too soon. After initiating a speed-up, the player must be ready to reload immediately. The first attack is only the beginning; the counter is expected. Swing size was a major technical issue. The coach repeatedly stressed using a very compact swing because the ball already has enough pace at close range. A large swing: telegraphs the attack, slows recovery, reduces topspin, and makes the next counter harder to handle. The preferred motion is short and quick: small backswing, compact contact, fast recovery. Topspin was also important. Several balls were flying long because the swing was too large and the player was not creating enough spin to bring the ball down. In fast exchanges, the objective is not simply to hit harder. The coach emphasized getting the ball downward first. A well-directed ball at the opponent’s feet is more valuable than raw power. The player also worked on recognizing when not to speed up. Balls that were too low or too shallow should normally be left as neutral balls rather than forced into an attack. The coach noted visible improvement compared with earlier sessions, particularly in the player’s ability to handle fast exchanges. Main takeaway The session taught a clear fast-hands pattern: choose a good ball → speed up compactly → expect the counter → reload immediately → counter again → keep attacking while the ball remains high → reset only when the ball drops low. The biggest areas to improve are smaller swings, faster reload, better topspin, and resisting the instinct to reset too early.