3-Ball Drill
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    Backup

    Your progress is saved on this device only. Copy a backup code now and then, and paste it here to restore.

    How the drill works

    Move your feet, hit the same easy stroke, get it on the table. Again and again.

    The pattern
    net Robot 1 2 3 ForehandMiddleBackhand You, about an arm length back
    1. Ball 1, forehand corner: step right, hit a forehand.
    2. Ball 2, middle: step back to center, hit a forehand. Your feet work harder this way, which is the point.
    3. Ball 3, backhand corner: step left, hit a backhand.

    Then back to ball 1. That's the biggest move in the drill, so push off your left foot and get there early. Every ball is a gentle, deep topspin. Don't worry where your shot goes yet. Just get it on the table.

    Footwork
    Backhand Middle Forehand 1 2 3 4
    1. Step right to the forehand corner.
    2. Step back to the middle.
    3. Step left to the backhand corner.
    4. The big one: push all the way back to the forehand.

    Ready position. Feet a little wider than your shoulders, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet. Stay this low the whole round.

    Shuffle, don't cross. Small side steps or a little hop, feet about the same distance apart. Never cross your feet.

    Be early. Be in place before the ball bounces. Still moving when you swing means you're late.

    Watch the spin panel. The lights under the robot's head show each ball's spin before it fires. Use them as your signal to move.

    Program the robot

    Save the drill as Custom Sequence 1 once. After that it starts in a few taps. Fill the ball container with 50 to 100 balls first.

    1. Find your landing spots

    1. Tap Landing spots/Functions, then serving set #1.
    2. Pick long spot #2, set Serve Count to 1. Tap BACK, then START.
    3. If the ball lands on your forehand side, you're set. If it lands on your backhand side, tick the box under Robot settings on the Play tab.
    4. Spot #6 should be the middle.

    2. Build the sequence

    1. Main menu: Custom Sequences, choose 1, tap Set Function.
    2. Set serving set #1 (forehand), #2 (middle) and #3 (backhand) using the settings on the Play tab. Tap BACK after each.
    3. Make sure sets #4 to #9 have Serve Count 0.
    4. Tap SAVE.

    3. Set the pace and round

    1. Frequency: use the setting on the Play tab.
    2. Total Ball Counts/Timer: set 030 so the robot stops after 30 balls.
    3. Tap BACK, then START.

    Next time: Custom Sequences, pick 1, BACK, START. The wheel speeds and loop level are starting points. If balls go into the net or fly long, nudge them by one.

    How levels work

    Score 24 or more out of 30 in three rounds in a row to unlock the next level. Each level changes one robot setting. The Play tab always shows the settings for your level.

      Every ball you get on the table is worth 10 XP. A round of 24 or more adds 50 XP, and a perfect 30 adds 100 more.

      Common mistakes
      ReachingArm stretches, feet stay still. Move your feet first, then swing.
      Standing upKnees straighten between shots. Stay low, like sitting on a tall stool.
      Crossing feetOne foot steps over the other. Shuffle sideways with feet apart.
      Too close to the tableGetting jammed on the middle ball. Start about an arm length back.
      Swinging too hardBalls fly long or into the net. Smooth, medium swing. Consistency first.
      Watching your shotLate for the next ball. As soon as you hit, look back at the robot.
      Videos and manual