Boast/Drive

Get back in the groove with this basic drill

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Purpose
The boast is used for a variety of reasons. First of all, it can be an effective means of moving your opponent to the front court while forcing a change of direction. Hit softly, it will also enable the striker more time to recover the T than a straight drop. Hit hard, the boast will not allow your opponent much time to get to the ball (but it can have the negative effect of not allowing the striker much time to recover the T).

The boast is also a common shot hit in desperation when the ball has already passed you but you can get enough on it to keep the point going.

Objective
When boasting, concentrate on trying to make the ball land short and aiming for the nick up front. Work on hitting a slow boast and a hard boast to change the pace and see what it does for you in terms of time.

When driving the ball, concentrate on good length (past the service box) and changing the pace. Driving the ball hard can increase pressure on your opponent by forcing a quick reaction (though it also cuts down on the amount of time you have to recover the T), while driving the ball with little pace (or even lobbing) will allow you more time to recover and can effectively apply pressure if hit deeper into the back court (i.e., not allowing your opponent much room to swing his/her racquet). Also, concentrate on movement to and away from the T.

Goal: 50 drives and 50 boasts, then switch roles and repeat.