Anna Bright explains why 3-person drilling is an excellent, often overlooked way to improve your game and simulate real-world match intensity. Instead of cancelling a session when a fourth player drops out, she demonstrates how to use the court efficiently to build skills, consistency, and anticipation.
Key 3-Person Drilling Variations
No Speed-ups (0:50 - 4:41): This drill focuses on dinking consistency and ball placement. By moving the ball around and avoiding the "chronic crosscourt" habit, you learn to keep opponents uncomfortable. Anna emphasizes that even in a no-speed-up drill, you should always take an ATP (Around The Post) or Ernie if the opportunity arises.
Single-Player Speed-ups (4:43 - 6:44): In this version, the player training alone is the only one allowed to speed up the ball. This simulates realistic gameplay pressure, allowing you to work on decision-making, holds, and freezing opponents, while the other two players focus on countering and handling aggressive shots.
Anything Goes (6:45 - 7:32): This is the most advanced variation where any player can speed up the ball from any position (off the bounce or out of the air). It forces you to maintain constant readiness to counter, replicating the fast-paced nature of competitive matches.
Takeaways
Consistency is king: Even without speed-ups, you are getting high-quality touches that help you master court movement.
Anticipation: These drills are designed to help you act as a "puppet master," directing the ball to keep opponents off-balance.
Maximize your time: Don't view a 3-person court as a disappointment; use it as a tool to gain more touches and sharpen your mental game.
00:10 Lea Jansen vs Catherine Parenteau
3:03 Kate Fahey vs Liz Truluck
04:53 Christian Alshon vs Jack Sock
08:28 Hunter Johnson vs Roscoe Bellamy
12:49 Anna Leigh Waters & Ben Johns vs Tina Pisnik & Federico Staksrud
16:50 Anna Bright & Hayden Patriquin vs Jessie Irvine & Eric Oncins
20:50 Parris Todd & Rachel Rohrabacher vs Tina Pisnik & Lacy Schneeman
24:00 Anna Leigh Waters & Anna Bright vs Meghan Dizon & Alix Truong
26:39 Ben Johns & Gabriel Tardio vs Connor Garnett & Riley Newman
29:56 Hayden Patriquin & Christian Alshon vs Jaume Martinez Vich & Jay Devilliers
Anna Bright shares her journey of developing a lethal one-handed backhand aerial attack—a shot she previously thought was impossible for her to master. She breaks down the technical nuances of the three main types of aerial backhand shots:
The Poke (0:54 - 1:40): A simpler, defensive-minded pop of the ball at an opponent, often used as a misdirect. It is generally less effective for putting pressure on opponents compared to other shots.
The Roll (1:46 - 4:51): A shot primarily powered by the shoulder joint, which is essential for handling lower balls (at the knees or below). Anna emphasizes keeping the paddle face relatively closed and lifting through the shoulder to generate topspin.
The Flick (2:01 - 5:44): A more advanced, wrist-heavy motion that provides snappy, fast-twitch topspin. Anna notes that players like JW Johnson are masters of this mechanic, relying on quick wrist action rather than large shoulder movements.
Key Takeaways for Improvement:
Body Mechanics: Regardless of the shot type, Anna stresses the importance of hinging at the hips (5:01) rather than rounding the back, which ensures better reach and stability.
Contact Point: For crosscourt speed-ups, you must make contact significantly earlier (6:50) to effectively direct the ball outside and across the court.
Strength Training (8:19 - 8:51):Anna provides a "hack" for those struggling with the shot: strengthen your forearm. Using a light dumbbell for rotation exercises can significantly increase stability at the point of extension, which is crucial for a consistent aerial attack.
Anna concludes by noting that if you can master these mechanics on the left side, you will become significantly more dangerous on the right side as well, as the backhand naturally provides more reach.
10-question quiz to test your knowledge of Anna Bright's backhand aerial attack techniques:
1. According to the video, what is a "poke" primarily used for? (0:54)
A) Generating heavy topspin.
B) A defensive misdirect or popping the ball at an opponent.
C) A long-range power drive.
D) A full-extension roll.
2. Which body part is the primary driver for a "backhand roll"? (1:47)
A) The elbow.
B) The wrist.
C) The shoulder.
D) The hip.
3. Which player does Anna identify as the "flick wizard"? (2:09)
A) Ben Johns.
B) Federico Staksrud.
C) Andrea Koop.
D) JW Johnson.
4. What does Anna recommend regarding the paddle face when performing a roll? (3:40)
A) It should be completely open.
B) It should be kept relatively closed.
C) It should be flat at all times.
D) It should be angled upward at 45 degrees.
5. Why is it important to hinge at the hips rather than rounding the back? (5:01)
A) It helps maintain balance.
B) It ensures better reach and prevents an "ugly" posture.
C) It increases the speed of the serve.
D) It makes the ball bounce higher.
6. What is the key mechanical difference between a roll and a flick? (2:01)
A) A roll is shoulder-reliant, while a flick is wrist-reliant.
B) A roll is wrist-reliant, while a flick is shoulder-reliant.
C) A roll is only for the left side, while a flick is only for the right.
D) There is no difference.
7. When hitting a crosscourt speed-up, what adjustment does Anna suggest? (6:50)
A) Hit the ball later in your swing path.
B) Keep the paddle face wide open.
C) Make contact significantly earlier in front of your body.
D) Focus exclusively on the elbow motion.
8. According to Anna, why is the backhand often better on the right side of the court? (7:42)
A) You have more natural reach.
B) The ball travels slower.
C) It is easier to hit a forehand from there.
D) The court is smaller on that side.
9. What is Anna's "hack" for those struggling to gain power or stability on the backhand? (8:20)
A) Increase your cardio.
B) Strengthen your forearm with rotation exercises.
C) Switch to a heavier paddle.
D) Use two hands for every shot.
10. At what point in the dink rally does Anna suggest the shoulder lift is most important? (3:08)
A) When the ball is high above the net.
B) When the ball is at the shoulder height.
C) When the ball is low, at the knees or below.
D) When the ball is being served.
Answer Key:
1: B, 2: C, 3: D, 4: B, 5: B, 6: A, 7: C, 8: A, 9: B, 10: C
