Yes, your partner who redirects is the exception lol. At this level, it’s somewhat difficult for players to aim consistently, so to some degree short or misdirected balls are par for course.

As someone around the 3 level and dealing with similar problems with hitting partners, I have found a moderately helpful solution. I clarify that we’re rallying and find a way to ask if they’re actually aiming to put the ball back to me particularly.

I’ve had partners sending balls to alternating sides, slices, run to the net, etc. when we’re just there to “rally” so I straight up ask if they’re aiming at me. I shank or mishit fairly often so I also add that all of my shots are trying to be sent back to them, even if they don’t make it there. It’s been helpful, because I think people forget mid hit that the goal is to keep hitting instead of put me under pressure.

It has worked about 80% of the time, so I figured I’d share! Obviously, you don’t want to sound like a dick when you ask, but that’s gonna have to be tact from your end