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Tennis: Basic Directional Change

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Nick, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

Coach feeds the ball to player's backhand.
Player hits backhand down the line to coach.
Coach hits the ball back in the same direction.
Player hits backhand cross-court into open court.

COACHING POINTS

In this drill, player works on consistency, control and directional change using a backhand stroke. By feeding and hitting with player, coach creates a much more interesting environment where player is motivated to work hard for longer periods. This method makes every ball different so player has to adapt all the time and can't allow himself to lose focus. Coach can change pace, depth and power of own strokes to challenge player's backhand and see if he can maintain good control over the ball in specific situations. Coach should also give specific a task for the exercise e.g not to hit any ball to the coach into the net or to hit given number of balls into the cross-court zone to take focus and motivation to the highest level.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Backhand Volley - 3 Heights:

The player starts on the service line and is fed 3 balls in a row at different heights to the backhand side. The player must execute a backhand volley from each of these feeds.

Volley Drills

Backhand volley cross court 3 depths:

The player stands at the net, and the coach feeds balls to the backhand's side. The player then hits 6 backhand volleys in cross court direction. First 2 balls are played deep; next 2 balls have medium depth; last 2 balls are hit short.

Backhand Drills

Backhand winner down the line:

The coach stands in front of the player and feeds in an easy ball to the player who starts off in the forehand doubles alley.

When the ball is ready to be hit the player should play the first shot back to the coach and the second shot should be played as a winner down the line.

Backhand Drills

Balanced backhand throw:

Get the player to stand on balance platforms in a close stance. The coach then throws a medicine ball to the backhand side. The player should then imitate a backhand by throwing the ball back to the coach.

Backhand Drills

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