Tennis: Toss From Behind

DESCRIPTION

The coach stands behind the player. The player takes ready position. The Coach tosses the ball to the backhand side. The player reacts, moves forward and hits backhand.

COACHING POINTS

Working on technical aspects is demanding so the coach has to prepare specific exercises to help the player go through this process easier and faster. Drills designed to target a particular purpose are the most effective so the coach shouldn't always look for activities that are really similar to the tournaments environment. Additionally it is important to work on one aspect while trying to improve technique because the most common mistake is that players try to progress too many things at the same time. This approach doesn't guarantee success so that is why the coach should set goals for given exercise and if this task is achieved the next goal can be set.

In this drill player works on proper point of contact. Tossing from behind the player is a great tool to work on this aspect because it is impossible to make late point of contact while chasing the ball. That's why this exercise is crucial for players who don't have stable hitting zone to learn where they should position the racquet while meeting the ball to achieve high quality of backhand stroke. At the beginning of this work coach should tell player to focus just on point of contact. If player makes quick progress coach should change focus of the player from own side (my racquet at point of contact) to opponent's side (where my ball lands).