Wimbledon arrives at the end of June and the grass court swing transforms how the game is played. Low bounces, slippery footing, and rewards for forward play demand a different tactical mindset. Here is how to coach it.
With Roland Garros centre stage in May, clay court tennis demands a different toolkit: controlled sliding, longer rallies, and patient point construction. Here is how to coach the surface that humbles power players and rewards craft.
The slice backhand is experiencing a renaissance in modern tennis, valued for its ability to change pace, create approach opportunities, and neutralise powerful opponents. This guide breaks down the technique, tactical applications, and training progressions coaches need to develop this essential shot at every level.
Analysing the issue: <\/strong>This is a common problem that all teams suffer from. Even the best teams endure phases of play when they give the ball away. The reasons teams concede possession are varied and there are a whole host of potential remedies.<\/p> _________________________<\/p> We cover a lot in this session, easily enough for 2-3 weeks worth of coaching. I would almost always revise the last session's practice prior to moving on. Take your time and only move on once the drill has been mastered.<\/p>"}],"isPrivate":false,"keywords":[{"createdDate":"08/11/2010","keyword":"possession","keywordId":1160},{"createdDate":"19/09/2013","keyword":"retain","keywordId":7440},{"createdDate":"19/09/2013","keyword":"solution","keywordId":7441},{"createdDate":"19/09/2013","keyword":"stop losing","keywordId":7442},{"createdDate":"25/01/2011","keyword":"keep","keywordId":2073},{"createdDate":"19/09/2013","keyword":"jon royce","keywordId":7443}],"longStory":" The reasons teams concede possession are varied.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Any of these sound familiar? To put paid to this problem once and for all this extended 2-3 hour long plan has 3 simple objectives to stop your team losing possession cheaply:<\/p>\r\n\r\n How to fix this:<\/span><\/p>\r\n To change this thinking and produce players who are comfortable on the ball, make good decisions and exude confidence in this session we initially remove the fear of being tackled, giving players time to make a decision. With the immediate fear of being tackled removed the player can use most of their \"limited\" attention to look up and make a sound decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Why this works:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n As players begin to experience success confidence will grow and we then introduce defenders to put pressure on the skill. What follows is a progression of practices, which over a number of sessions will bring real progress. At this point you will note that players will require more technical skill. Just be sure to progress at a pace appropriate for your players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n This problem and solution session is designed to help you overcome a common coaching complaint. After using this session you should see a positive change in the way your team retain possession but don't rush through all the practices!<\/p> We cover a lot in this session, easily enough for 2-3 weeks worth of coaching. I would almost always revise the last session's practice prior to moving on. Take your time and only move on once the drill has been mastered.<\/p>Bram van Asselt, To overcome the following problem<\/p> To put paid to this problem we have three simple session goals: <\/p> Structure:<\/strong> Work in 4s. 3 attackers and 1 defender.<\/p> Purpose:<\/strong><\/p> Rules<\/strong>:<\/p> RETENTION OF POSSESSION - Stuck in the box<\/p> <\/p> Coaches objective : Establish principles of wide angled support<\/p> Coach attackers to watch the defenders stick<\/p> <\/p> Purpose : Retain possession for five passes<\/p> Ball must be passed through the box to another attacker<\/p> <\/p> Structure : Fours<\/p> 3 attackers and one defender<\/p> <\/p> Rules : Defender must remain in the inner box<\/p> 3 attackers outside the box<\/p> The attacker who losses the ball becomes the defender<\/p> No first time passes<\/p> Push only no slap or hit<\/p> <\/p> Player on the ball<\/p> Players off the ball<\/p> Player on the ball<\/p> Players off the ball<\/p> Coach's objective: Establish principles of wide angled support<\/p> Structure<\/strong>: Players work in 4s. 3 attackers and 1 defender<\/p> The following practice starts to make the play more dynamic by introducing movement. It forces the defender to move. They cannot just stand and put a flat stick down, only the head of the stick is on the ground giving the advantage to the players in possession<\/p> <\/p> Rules<\/strong>:<\/p> The following practice starts to make the play more dynamic by introducing movement. It forces the defender to move. They cannot just stand and put a flat stick down, only the head of the stick is on the ground giving the advantage to the players in possession<\/p> RETENTION OF POSSESSION - Stuck in the box - fluid<\/p> Coaches objective :<\/p> Structure : Fours<\/p> 3 attackers and one defender<\/p> <\/p> Rules :<\/p> Player on the ball<\/p> Players off the ball<\/p> <\/p> * You may need to teach this skill if it limits the ability of the players to complete the practice - please see ......<\/p> 3 attackers and one defender<\/p> Rules : Defender must remain in the inner box<\/p> Player in possession must run round the corner cone prior to passing<\/p> 3 attackers outside the box<\/p> The attacker who losses the ball becomes the defender<\/p> No first time passes<\/p> Push only no slap or hit<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":300,"imageSource":"/upload/users/9c40/1708/8542488/cp117236496-1379511485684.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"18/09/2013 14:38:07.009","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"412762368_798195712","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":null,"sportCategoryId":0,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetailId":1001,"sportName":"Hockey"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"basic300x300","title":"Autosave 13257079","width":300,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6740682,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":965961},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Points","modified":false,"notes":" Player on the ball<\/strong><\/p> Players off the ball<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> *<\/strong> You may need to teach this skill if it limits the ability of the players to complete the practice - please see video...<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1178168,"sessionPracticeCount":1,"sessionPractices":[{"adjustment":"","customPractice":null,"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":{"distance":-1,"groupSizeMax":0,"groupSizeMin":0,"language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"lastRated":"","level":-1,"oldPracticeCode":"","practice":{"authorName":"","colour":"#a0d038","fileName":"jb0002","fileType":"VMP4","finished":false,"hasHtml5":false,"hasMp4":true,"hasThumbnails":false,"height":200,"live":false,"oldPracticeCode":"jb0002","practiceDetail":{"description":"","equipment":"","languageId":1000,"practiceDetailId":706476,"practiceName":"Running around the cone keeping ball on open stick"},"practiceId":624183,"singleFrame":false,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetailId":1001,"sportName":"Hockey"},"width":300},"practiceVariantDetail":{"about":"","coachingPoints":"","discussion":"","editorsNotes":"","introduction":"","languageId":1000,"practiceVariantDetailId":1238917,"progression":"","setup":""},"practiceVariantId":1082841,"rating":0,"ratingCount":0,"ratings":[],"typeCore":false,"typeEndGame":false,"typeWarmup":false,"variantCode":"U18"},"sessionPracticeId":6740804,"title":""}]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Rationale","modified":false,"notes":" Coach's objective :<\/p> Purpose<\/strong>: Retain possession for five passes<\/p> Structure : Fives, 3 attackers and 2 defenders<\/p> <\/p> Rules :<\/p> RETENTION OF POSSESSION - STUCK IN THE BOX - BANDIT<\/p> Coaches objective : Establish the understanding in players that they must scan for the position of the cover defender (avoiding focusing on the player closing them down)<\/p> Purpose : Retain possession for five passes<\/p> Structure : Fives<\/p> 3 attackers and 2 defenders<\/p> <\/p> Rules : two defenders must remain in the inner box<\/p> One defender MUST defend the ball<\/p> 3 attackers outside the box<\/p> The attacker who losses the ball becomes the defender<\/p> No first time passes<\/p> Push only no slap or hit<\/p> Player on the ball<\/p> <\/p> Step 1<\/p> <\/p> Step 2<\/p> Players off the ball<\/p> *� * You may need to teach disguised passing if it limits the ability of the players to complete the practice - please see ???????.<\/p> <\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":300,"imageSource":"/upload/users/9c40/1708/8542488/cp117239921-1379511650037.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"18/09/2013 14:41:20.460","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"412762368_-275546112","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":null,"sportCategoryId":0,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetailId":1001,"sportName":"Hockey"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"basic300x300","title":"RETENTION OF POSSESSION - STUCK IN THE BOX - BANDIT","width":300,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6740680,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":965957},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Tips","modified":false,"notes":" Player on the ball<\/strong><\/p> Step 1<\/p> Step 2<\/p> Players off the ball<\/strong><\/p> Coach's objective : Establish the understanding in players that they must scan for the position of the cover defender (avoiding focusing on the player closing them down)<\/p>","orderIndex":1,"practiceNoteId":1178251,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]}],"orderIndex":1,"practiceColumnId":965958}],"deleted":false,"duration":"","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"sectionPracticeId":484576,"title":"RETENTION OF POSSESSION - STUCK IN THE BOX - BANDIT"}],"sessionSectionId":929193,"title":"Stage 3"},{"deleted":false,"modified":false,"orderIndex":3,"practices":[{"columns":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":" Structure : Players work in groups of 5. 3 attackers and 2 defenders.<\/p> <\/p> Purpose : Retain possession for five passes<\/p> <\/p> Rules :<\/p> RETENTION OF POSSESSION - STUCK IN THE BOX - BANDIT - FLUID<\/p> <\/p> Coaches objective : Establish the understanding in players that they must scan for the position of the cover defender (avoiding focusing on the player closing them down)<\/p> <\/p> Purpose : Retain possession for five passes<\/p> <\/p> Structure : Fives<\/p> 3 attackers and 2 defenders<\/p> <\/p> Rules : Two defenders must remain in the inner box<\/p> One defenders MUST defend the ball<\/p> 3 attackers outside the box<\/p> Ball carrier must dribble round the corner cone<\/p> The attacker who losses the ball becomes the defender<\/p> No first time passes<\/p> Push only no slap or hit<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":300,"imageSource":"/upload/users/9c40/1708/8542488/cp117244761-1379511892356.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"18/09/2013 14:44:53.737","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"412762368_1066631168","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":null,"sportCategoryId":0,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetailId":1001,"sportName":"Hockey"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"basic300x300","title":"RETENTION OF POSSESSION - STUCK IN THE BOX - BANDIT - FLUID","width":300,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6740683,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":965963},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Points","modified":false,"notes":" Player on the ball<\/strong><\/p> Step 1<\/p> Step 2<\/p> Players off the ball<\/strong><\/p> Coach's objective : Establish the understanding in players that they must scan for the position of the cover defender (avoiding focusing on the player closing them down)<\/p>","orderIndex":1,"practiceNoteId":1178270,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]}],"orderIndex":1,"practiceColumnId":965964}],"deleted":false,"duration":"","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"sectionPracticeId":484579,"title":"RETENTION OF POSSESSION - STUCK IN THE BOX - BANDIT - FLUID"}],"sessionSectionId":929196,"title":"Stage 4"},{"deleted":false,"modified":false,"orderIndex":4,"practices":[{"columns":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":" Structure : Players work in groups of 5. 3 attackers and 2 defenders<\/p> Purpose : Retain possession for five passes<\/p> Important Note: Ensure the area used is significantly bigger than the previous drills. Give the players \"TIME to THINK.\" The better the players the SMALLER the area. Start big - reduce if they succeed<\/p> Rules :<\/p> Coaches objective : Establish the understanding in players that they must scan for the position of the cover defender (avoiding focusing on the player closing them down)<\/p> Purpose : Retain possession for five passes Important Note: Ensure the area used is significantly bigger than the previous drills. Give the players "TIME to THINK." The better the players the SMALLER the area. Start big - reduce if they suceed<\/p> Rules :<\/p> Player on the ball<\/p> Step 1 Step 2 Players off the ball Player on the ball<\/p> Step 1 Step 2 Players off the ball Coach's objective : Establish the understanding in players that they must scan for the position of the cover defender (avoiding focusing on the player closing them down)<\/p>","orderIndex":1,"practiceNoteId":1179902,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]}],"orderIndex":1,"practiceColumnId":965966}],"deleted":false,"duration":"","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"sectionPracticeId":484580,"title":"RETENTION OF POSSESSION - 3 v 2 All in the Box"}],"sessionSectionId":929197,"title":"Stage 5"},{"deleted":false,"modified":false,"orderIndex":5,"practices":[{"columns":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":" Structure : Three per team<\/p> At the early stage of learning the game keep sides to only three - this keeps decision making relatively simple<\/p> Purpose : To outscore opponents by scoring a goal by crossing the end line of the pitch <\/p> Rules :<\/p> At the early stage of learning the game keep sides to only three - this keeps decision making relatively simple<\/p> Coaches objective : To finish sessions with a game that motivates players to return for the next session ENCOURAGE DISGUISE<\/p> Purpose : To outscore opponents by scoring a goal by crossing the end line of the pitch Rules :<\/p> � Freeze game to identify cover defender (no 2 above)<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":300,"imageSource":"/upload/users/9c40/1708/8542488/cp11724763-1379512546279.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"18/09/2013 14:55:47.425","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"412762368_-7110656","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":null,"sportCategoryId":0,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetailId":1001,"sportName":"Hockey"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"eighthPitchV","title":"SMALL SIDED GAME 3 v 3","width":300,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6740685,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":965967},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Tips","modified":false,"notes":" Freeze game to identify cover defender (no 2 above)<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1178174,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Rationale","modified":false,"notes":" Coach's objective : To finish sessions with a game that motivates players to return for the next session ENCOURAGE DISGUISE<\/p>","orderIndex":1,"practiceNoteId":1179903,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Notes","modified":false,"notes":" After using this session you should see a positive change in the way your team retain possession but don't rush through all the practices!<\/p>","orderIndex":2,"practiceNoteId":1179946,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]}],"orderIndex":1,"practiceColumnId":965968}],"deleted":false,"duration":"","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"sectionPracticeId":484581,"title":"SMALL SIDED GAME 3 v 3"}],"sessionSectionId":929198,"title":"Stage 6"}],"sessionEntityId":11674703,"sessionFolderId":5072799,"sessionType":2010,"shortStory":"This special extended session has 3 simple objectives to stop your team losing possession cheaply","sportCodeId":1001,"template":"problemSPLandscape","textScale":100,"title":"My team keep giving the ball away and losing possession","userProfileId":0,"userRating":null,"venue":""}

\r\n\r\n
Senior coach and founder of Sportplan<\/cite><\/small><\/blockquote>","madeDate":"18/09/2013","modified":false,"movieScale":70,"newsletter":null,"openToPublic":true,"ownerId":10573816,"pdfUrl":"/upload/sessions/3a98/2334/11674703/My-team-keep-giving-the-ball-away-and-losing-possession.pdf","pricingTier":2,"publicTitle":"My team keep giving the ball away and losing possession","publishId":"535463168_-232502016","publishedDate":"19/09/2013 18:00:05.435","publishedSessionUrl":"/drills/Hockey/sessionPlans/My-team-keep-giving-the-ball-away-and-losing-possession-11674703.jsp","purpose":"
Which way is the cover defender moving ?
Decide which player is free<\/li><\/ul>
Structure : Fives
3 attackers and 2 defenders<\/p>
� Look at the position of the back defender
� Which way is the cover defender moving ?
� Decide which player is free<\/p>
� Move the defenders stick out of the passing lane by using disguise (pretending to pass to the marked player) "Look at the player you are NOT going to pass to?"
� The defenders will react by moving their sticks to intercept
� Pass to your unmarked colleague<\/p>
� Both players must offer 'wide angled support' and therefore be available to receive thus giving passer two options, making the defenders job difficult<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":300,"imageSource":"/upload/users/9c40/1708/8542488/cp117245851-1379512035972.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"18/09/2013 14:47:17.396","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"412762368_-1080852480","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":null,"sportCategoryId":0,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1001,"sportDetailId":1001,"sportName":"Hockey"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"basic300x300","title":"RETENTION OF POSSESSION - 3 v 2 All in the Box","width":300,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6740684,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":965965},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Points","modified":false,"notes":"
· Look at the position of the back defender
· Which way is the cover defender moving ?
· Decide which player is free<\/p>
· Move the defenders stick out of the passing lane by using disguise (pretending to pass to the marked player) \"Look at the player you are NOT going to pass to?\"
· The defenders will react by moving their sticks to intercept
· Pass to your unmarked colleague<\/p>
· Both players must offer 'wide angled support' and therefore be available to receive thus giving passer two options, making the defenders job difficult<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1178172,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Rationale","modified":false,"notes":"
Structure : Three per team<\/p>