I agree that this kind of practice can be quite useful especially at lower recreational level and it can set you up well for playing against beginners and pushers. However, what you can't simulate without a partner, ball machine or a wall is the pace of the incoming ball. Getting used to that and improving your reactions, timing etc. requires something that can launch the ball towards you at speed!
@HawkOfGP I totally agree with you. These drills are only for when you have no partner to hit with, and you want to get a good workout with some of the drills like wide ball & recovery, deep ball chase, etc.
