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.
Wimbledon has just crowned another champion, and if you watched closely you saw the same thing every year: the best returners quietly won the tournament. Here is how to coach a return that pressures the server rather than just surviving it.
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.