Coach feeds deep ball to the deuce side. Player moves back and hits forehand cross court. Coach feeds another ball shorter to the advantage side. Player moves inside the baseline and hits forehand inside in.
Movement back and forward is a reason for many mistakes in tennis. Players don't like (or don't train enough) to move behind or inside the baseline so they have to work more with their racquets to make shots consistently. Movement back is a necessity to deal with deep and difficult shots because hitting from the waist level (moving back) is much easier than struggling with the balls over the shoulder (staying on the baseline). Movement forward to the short ball is a primary goal to be more aggressive and win more points. By contacting the ball earlier, the player doesn't have to use so much spin (higher point of contact = easier clearance) and opponent's recovery time is much shorter.
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.
The slice backhand is experiencing a renaissance in modern tennis, valued for its ability to change pace, create approach opportunities, and neutralise powerful opponents. This guide breaks down the technique, tactical applications, and training progressions coaches need to develop this essential shot at every level.