AcademyIntermediate path

The drive: controlled power

8 min

When to drive, where to aim, and how to stay out of the net.

Key takeaways

  • Drive low over the middle or at the weaker player.
  • Topspin keeps hard balls in — brush up the back.
  • The best drives set up an easy fifth shot.

Practice goal

Alternate drive-drop on thirds: 10 drives crosscourt, 10 drops.

Next lesson

Volleys: punch, don't swing