HOME Tennis Drills Forehand & Backhand Drill

Tennis: Change the pace

I have used many of the tennis drills and as a result my two High...

Linsent, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

Coach feeds the ball to one side. Player alternates aggressive and regular down the line shots.

Drill specifications:

2-6 repetitions per set

The minimum number of repetitions is 2 but it can go up to 6. It all depends of how many players we have on the court. With less players more repetitions are recommended while with more players less reps will be a better option to keep all students hitting. Coach can set up 2 lines of players to work on forehand and backhand down the line shots at the same time.

COACHING POINTS

Opponent’s position has a big impact on player’s decision according to the power of the stroke. If the opponent is not in good recovery spot player doesn’t have to use too much power to win the point. On the other side if the opponent is taking good position on the court more powerful shot will be a better option to put more pressure on the rival. Rafael Nadal is an example of a player with world-class shot selection ability that he shows in mixing up powerful flat forehands with more controlled heavy-topspin oriented balls. Knowing that really offensive strokes are quite risky players should be able to execute different down the line shots to use the proper one according to the particular tactical situation on the court.

In this drill players work on offensive methods according to the ball’s power. By mixing up the pace player learns how to differentiate the speed of the stroke while maintaining good level of consistency. Coach has to explain to players that powerful strokes should have a bigger target to aim for because of the risk factor involved. Controlled shots should be focused on accuracy so pinpoint placement is required to get benefits from this stroke. Players have to remember to generate the pace from all body parts (winners) and involve big amount of spin to control the ball (controlled shots). Many players have a quick footwork while preparing the winner but they don’t show the same approach while hitting a controlled down the line. Coach should tell players that it is probably their last shot so all effort has to be put into this ball to make sure that the result will be positive.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Confidence hitting down the line:

Set up two sets of cones around 1metre inside the service line, either side of the coach who stands in the centre of the court.

The coach then feeds balls to the player so he/she has to hit either and backhand or forehand down the line shot.

The player must execute all strokes in down the line direction aiming for between the cones.

Passing Shots Drills

Can you hit 3 balls:

2 players play points together. Zone is set in the deep area in the middle on the player A side. Player A tries to win the point by hitting offensively. Player B wins the point if the opponent misses the ball or if he makes 3 defensive shots into the zone.

Drill specifications:

1-2 points and switch

This drill has a competitive context but players shouldnât forget about their goals. Players should switch after 1-2 points to keep all players rotating dynamically. Coach can set up a game where 2 teams are playing up to 10 points and they switch defensive/offensive roles after the game is over. While waiting for own turn, coach shouldnât give any additional drills for players to let them watch others and learn from their decisions.

Forehand & Backhand Drill

Combining Both Volleys:

One line at centre in second volley position. Players hit backhands then forehands.

Volley Drills

Deep and Short:

Coach feeds an easy ball to the advantage side. Player runs around and hits forehand inside out. Player runs forward to take proper position at the net. Coach feeds another ball to the deuce side. Player finishes with forehand drop volley cross court.

Movement

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