Volley Drill #3 – The Bryan Brothers Drill

When trying to improve parts of your game, it only makes sense to copy the best. The Bryan Brothers are undoubtedly the best doubles team of all time, so why not borrow some of the drills that made them so good? I had the privilege of training with Bob and Mike a couple of years during the two week Masters 1000 tournament at Indian Wells.  Being on court with them made me realize how years of sharpening their volleys got them to where they are. One of the drills that they were doing every day during that tournament is referred to as “The Bryan Brothers Drill” most likely because they use it so much. This drill is useful because it includes several key aspects of the volley: lively feet, quick reaction, and sharp precision. It starts with both players in the middle of their respective service lines. As they begin hitting volley to volley, both players move to their own left or right side as they rally. The players will be hitting crosscourt as they are moving opposite directions, or away from each other. When they reach the alley, they both come back to the center and continue on to the other side, trying to keep the ball in play as long as they can. If you miss, just feed another ball in quickly and keep going. This drill is pretty physical, especially on the forearms, hands, and wrists.

Key Points to Remember:

1. Stay low even though you are moving laterally. It is easy to let yourself pop up.
2. Keep the hips as square as possible to the net as you move. This is a lateral movement, not a forward movement.
3. Don’t crowd the ball. Give yourself space. If the space isn’t there, create it.
4. Don’t assume the ball will be where you want it to be. Remember, this is a reaction drill. Make it realistic and don’t expect it to come in the perfect place.
5. Work together to keep the ball going as long as possible. It won’t be perfect, just strive to get better.