Tennis: Add Some Variety

Coach feeds an easy ball to attack. Player runs and hits aggressive angle shot. Drill specifications: 1-5 repetitions per set  This drill suits individual lessons as also can be successfully used with more players on the court. When coach is working only with 1-2 students more repetitions can be used to allow players correct own mistakes by looking at the previous shots. Group lessons will be more effective with players switching after one shot because it guarantees good pace of the drill as also all the players will be learning from others all the time.

The coach stands in front of the player and throws the ball to the deuce alley. The player sprints, hits forehand approach from the alley and follows to the net.

Coach feeds easy ball around the service line. Player attacks using forehand and moves forward to the net. Player should stay on the same side where he hit the last ball too.

Player stands on the baseline. Coach feeds an easy ball and stays on the baseline or moves far behind it. Player has to make proper decision according to the coach’s position. If the coach is on the baseline player should attack the easy ball with a powerful groundstroke. If the coach moves far behind the baseline player should hit a drop shot. Drill specifications : 4 repetitions per set Small number of repetitions is required to achieve quality work. Peripheral vision is one of the skills that is necessary to effectively execute offensive strokes. Waiting players should work on making quick decisions after the visual sign so coach should prepare physical drills based on quick reaction.

Coach alternates feeding low and high short balls to the deuce side. Player moves inside the court and hits offensive forehand into side zones from both points of contact.  

The aim is to encourage players to progressively attack on the move. Coach feeds 3 balls to player A as per diagram. Player A should aim to hit the return ball down the centre of the court. Player A then joins the queue and Player B joins the drill.

Coach feeds an easy ball down the middle of the court. Player moves forward and hits an agressive forehand to the deuce side. Player then moves forward to take up a proper position at the net.

Coach feeds short ball to the forehand side. Player moves inside the court, hits attacking forehand slice deep down the line and takes proper position at the net.

Drills is played on the deuce court. Coach feeds the balls into different areas. Player can use only forehand stroke to hit the ball over the net. Coach feeds the next ball as soon as player hits the previous one.

The coach stands at the net on the ad side and feeds the ball to the backhand side.The player runs around and hits forehand inside out. The coach hits the ball back, and the player finishes with forehand inside in.

Coach stands in the middle of the court and feeds the ball to the advantage side. The coach will then move left or right, and the player has to be aware of where the coach has moved, and hit a forehand to the open area opposite to where the coach is stood.

A player stands at the net. The coach feeds the ball to the forehand side and moves randomly. The player executes forehand volley into the open area (away from the coach).  

The coach stands next to the player and keeps their racquet in a horizontal position. The player moves their racquet over and under the coach's racquet to imitate a forehand stroke.

Player stands on balance platforms. Coach feeds balls to the forehand side. Player executes forehand stroke while maintaining balance.

Player stands on his/her right leg on the service line. Coach feeds balls to the player's forehand side. Player hops to the ball on one leg and hits a forehand volley back to the coach.

The coach stands in front of player and feeds low balls to player's forehand. The player executes forehands.

Coach feeds balls to the deuce side. Player alternates hitting deep forehand cross-court and forehand angle cross-court.

2 players play points against each other. Each player has a chance for additional points if he/she moves inside the baseline after a good offensive shot that forces the opponent to play defensively. Drill specifications : 1-2 points and switch 2 players compete with each other. With more players coach can set up specific footwork drills to improve movement or let players watch the points and pay attention especially to moving inside the baseline after a good offensive shot. This drill can work as a competition where players work individually or in teams.

Player A hits forehand cross-court and forehand down the line. After this pattern both players play the point out.

Coach stands on the players side of the net. Coach feeds 6 balls to the forehand side. 2 high balls, 2 medium balls and 2 low balls. Player moves to the ball and hits 6 shots making sure they uses only a closed stance forehand.