Anna Bright: 3-person drilling

 

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.