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FootworkBeginnerIntermediate
Carnival Station 7: Kitchen-To-Baseline Ladder
8 min Partner Paddle, balls
Setup
Both players start at the kitchen line. One player feeds the whole ladder; the other player hits.
Drill Instructions
The hitter must land every ball in the kitchen.
Start with a volley dink. After each hit, the hitter takes one step back and plays the next ball from a little farther away. Once the hitter reaches the baseline they play a drop, then start stepping one step forward after each hit until they are back at the kitchen line. Finish the last ball — back at the kitchen line — with a high volley put-away.
Every ball that lands in the kitchen = 1 point.
Goal
Score = kitchen balls on the ladder. Log it as "14 points" (then swap roles).
Make It Easier
Use half-steps so the ladder is shorter, and allow anywhere in the kitchen.
Coach Tip
Reset your feet before every contact. Do not hit while drifting backward — step, set, then swing.
Make It Harder
Require the ball to land in the cross-court half of the kitchen the whole way.
Listen to your Coach
AIMiles will walk you through this drill.
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