Tennis: Move the defender

DESCRIPTION

The coach feeds balls to the backhand. The player alternates hitting deep backhand down the line and short angle backhand cross court.

COACHING POINTS

One of the most difficult styles to beat is defensive player. These athletes move further back behind the baseline and hit all the balls over the net. Too many players try to use only power to beat this style and they end up with lots of unforced errors. Only variety of skills can help us to easily go through the match against that kind of opponent so practice session is the best time to develop these abilities.

In this drill, the player works on strategy that is effective against defensive players. Knowing that good defenders move further behind the baseline, it is crucial to be aware of specific patterns that will move the opponent out of the comfort zone. Hitting one ball deep and one ball at good angle will force the opponent to cover great distances and leave the whole court open for the next shot. Only being aware of this scenario and repeating this pattern consistently during training session will develop confidence to make this strategy work when the pressure is on. More advanced players should also try to move to the net after good angle shot, to put even more pressure on the rival, and make him/her hit risky passing shot.