The coach feeds orange, and green balls to the forehand side. The player hits only forehands. If the ball is green, the player has to aim cross-court. If the ball is orange, the player has to aim down the line.
The more time we have to prepare the shot the better we can do that. Players have to learn how to quickly recognise the ball to avoid rushing, and making decisions right before they hit. By performing many drills based on ball perception, players are able to focus, and make decisions much quicker so their level is going significantly up.
In this drill, the player connects ball perception with decision making skills. Basic directional change ability is a must for anyone who wants to learn how to play tennis. The coach can use this drill just to work on change of direction (technical aspect related to different racquet's angle) or he can use it to work on tactical skills (when to hit cross-court/when to hit down the line).
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.
Wimbledon has just crowned another champion, and if you watched closely you saw the same thing every year: the best returners quietly won the tournament. Here is how to coach a return that pressures the server rather than just surviving it.
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.
Register for FREE and get coaching tips, top drills, session and more every week!
