The coach feeds shorter ball to the ad side. The player hits backhand approach shot down the line and comes to the net. The coach feeds another ball to the deuce side. The player finishes with forehand volley down the line.
Coming to the net is a good strategy to win against many rivals. By moving closer to the opponent, we put a lot of pressure on them as also check quality of their lobs and passing shots. That is why it is important to add this aspect to own game to feel comfortable in different zones on the court. You never know which strategy will be useful against particular opponent so having more weapons is always an asset.
In this drill, the player implements down the line shots into net game situation. Hitting approach shot down the line is crucial to take the best position at the net. The player should know that down the line passing shot has shorter way to go than cross-court shot so hitting down the line approach shot and staying on the same side of the court at the net force rival to try to go for cross-court ball. The player is ready for this action and hits finishing volley down the line. The coach can set up targets or make players do given number of successful patterns. The coach should never continue drill if the approach shot is missed because in a match there won't be a volley after that.
Indoor courts give players less time and less room. Help them sharpen their split step, shorten their swing and stay calm, and winter becomes a season of real progress.
A tiebreak is a short sprint where every point is worth the same as a break of serve. The players who win them are rarely the ones who hit hardest. Here is how to coach the patterns, habits and scoreboard thinking that win the big points.
Most club players practise the serve on its own and then have no idea what to do with the ball that comes back. Serve plus one is the pattern that turns a good serve into a won point.
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