Week 10 – Pod Training & Game Readiness (Nov 24 - 26, 2025)

This week marked the start of our new 4-pod training system, giving every student a level-appropriate environment to grow their skills. Advanced players focused on game-ready patterns like deep returns, third-shot drops, and defending attacks. Intermediate groups worked on depth, decision-making, and consistency, while our touch-based pod sharpened control through dinks and volleys. Our youngest beginners enjoyed simple, high-success activities that built confidence and paddle coordination.

The courts were buzzing, the rallies were longer than ever, and every pod made huge progress.

POD 1 :

1/3 — 2vCoach: Deep Return → Rush → Defend

Drill:

• Coach serves deep

• Players hit deep return

• Both rush to net

• Coach attacks (controlled pace)

• Players defend using block volleys + resets

Goal: Survive first attack volley; win point only if team holds net.

Coaching Cues:

• “Return deep buys time.”

• “Stick your volley, don’t swing.”

• “Move together!”

2/3 — 2vCoach: Deep Serve → Return → 3rd Shot Drop

Drill:

• Players serve deep

• Coach returns deep

• Players hit 3rd shot drop into kitchen

• Both move to NVZ afterwards

Goal: Drop must land in kitchen before rally continues.

Coaching Cues:

• “Lift, don’t punch.”

• “Arcs win drops.”

• “Feet freeze at the line.”

3/3 — Game to 11

• Full court

• Players may only score if rally includes:

  • Deep serve

  • Deep return

  • Attempted drop

Coach floats for tactical feedback.

POD 2 — Intermediate Players (Developing Rally Players)

1/3 — Deep Serve → Deep Return

• Alternate serving + returning to deep targets

• Optional scoring:

  • +1 deep serve

  • +1 deep return

Coaching Cues:

• “Aim over center strap.”

• “Hit past service line.”

2/3 — Deep Serve → Deep Return → Attack/Defend

• Deep serve

• Deep return

• Third ball becomes attack or defend

  • High = attack

  • Low = reset

Coaching Cues:

• “Recognize high vs low.”

• “Defend by softening.”

• “Attack if above net height.”

3/3 — Game to 5

• Regular scoring

• Emphasis on: depth, shape, patience

• Rotate partners every 2–3 minutes

POD 3 — Intermediate-Better (Touch + Control Players)

1/3 — Dink Warm-Up → 1v1 Dink Game

Warm-Up: 3 minutes cooperative dinks

Game:

• 1v1 to 7

• After 3 touches, point goes to player who didn’t make the error

Coaching Cues:

• “Keep paddle out front.”

• “Don’t let it rise above the net.”

2/3 — Volley Warm-Up → 1v1 Volley Game

Warm-Up: Controlled volleys from NVZ

Game: Same 3-touch rule

Coaching Cues:

• “Punch, don’t swing.”

• “Quiet shoulders.”

3/3 — Mini Game: Team Rally Challenge

• 2v2

• Half court

• Only volleys allowed

• Longest rally earns 1 point

• Play 6–8 rounds

POD 4 — Beginners / Younger Kids (Simple, Fun, Achievable)

1/3 — Bounce Serve into Cone Zone

• Drop → bounce → tap over into zone

• 1 point per successful ball

• Helpers reset balls

Coaching Cues:

• “Gentle tap.”

• “Aim for the big triangle.”

2/3 — SUPER FUN + Simple Skill Activity

Pickle Golf

• Roll the ball through hoops

• Mini-course format

3/3 — MONSTER GAME

• Tag

• Finish with victory lap

Coach’s Wrap-Up

This was one of our strongest weeks yet. Pod training allowed every student to thrive at their level — advanced players worked true game patterns, intermediate groups improved depth and decision-making, and beginners built coordination and confidence through high-success games.

The rallies were longer, the teamwork was sharper, and the kids brought huge energy to every pod.

Next week: Net battles, reaction drills, and transition movement.