Level Up Your Hand Speed
Summary
Shea Underwood’s hand-speed drill: both players stand with toes just behind the kitchen line, start a light speed-up and take everything out of the air. There are three patterns: forehand to forehand, backhand to backhand, then a figure-eight (one player hits straight, the other crosses). Aim for 20 clean hits per pattern before moving on. Then step inside the kitchen and repeat all three at close range, where less reaction time forces precise placement.
Key takeaways
- All volleys, no bounces: pure hand-speed reps
- Three patterns: FH-FH, BH-BH, figure-eight
- 20 clean hits per pattern before progressing
- Moving inside the kitchen cuts reaction time and sharpens placement
Action items
- Run FH-FH, BH-BH and figure-eight from behind the line, 20 clean each
- Repeat all three from inside the kitchen
- Keep the first speed-up light, then build pace
- Send the drill to your doubles partner and run it weekly