Cushion Volley Control
Players who can cushion-volley have significantly more options than those who wait for everything to drop.
◆Why this drill works
Players who can cushion-volley have significantly more options than those who wait for everything to drop. This drill isolates the technique across a range of service types: low-bounce, hip-height, chest-height, and driven flat. Waiting for the ball to bounce is the default habit at this age because it feels safer, but it also telegraphs the next action to every defender nearby and slows the game down at exactly the moment a quick touch would create an advantage. Varying the service type deliberately rather than repeating the same throw is what makes the technique transferable — a player who can only cushion a gentle underarm serve often falls apart the first time a match ball arrives driven and flat, so the range of services here is doing real work, not just adding variety for its own sake. The withdrawing-ankle cue also has to be felt rather than just described: many coaches find it helps to let players briefly experience the wrong version (rigid ankle, ball bouncing away) so they feel the contrast before trying the correct technique again.
◇Variations and progressions
- Both feet required — alternate which foot must cushion the ball so players don't build a one-footed habit that opponents can exploit.
- Moving into the ball — have the receiver start further back and move forward to meet the serve, replicating the timing demands of receiving in open play rather than standing still.
- Aerial pass-and-move — after the cushion touch, require an immediate first-time pass rather than a controlling touch, for older or more advanced groups.
- Pressure server — add a passive defender who closes down as soon as the ball leaves the server's hands, forcing a quicker decision on where to cushion the ball.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Pairs, 8 yards apart. Server throws underarm to various heights.
- Receiver uses inside-foot cushion. Cue: Soft ankle, withdraw on contact.
- Increase service pace after 10 reps.
- Progress: server volleys the ball.
- Final 5 minutes: cushion-volley then immediately pass to a third player 3 yards either side.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Ankle soft and withdrawing at contact
- First touch landing within a stride's reach
- Adjusting body shape early to the height of the incoming serve
Correct when you see
- Rigid ankle leading to the ball bouncing off — give way, don't fight it
- Waiting for ball to drop when a cushion-volley was available
- Reaching with the foot at the last moment instead of getting the body in line early
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
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| Upgrade | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Mark receiving zones. | Check price → |
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