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Tennis: Hit angle from anywhere

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Bill, Newly qualified coach

DESCRIPTION

Player stands on the baseline. Coach faces the player. Coach throws different balls to one side. Player hits angle shot and recovers.

Drill specifications:

1-5 reps per set

Close drills can be easily adjusted to the different numbers of players. Coach can make this drill really dynamic by switching the players after only one hit. This variation is a great way to stay in the rhythm of hitting and to learn from others while waiting only few seconds for own turn. To improve cooperation and teamwork coach can put one of the players to feed the ball however coach has to be aware of player’s feeding skills and give him instructions on where to aim with the feed. While having a someone to feed coach can stay next to the hitting players and constantly give feedback about their performance.

COACHING POINTS

Close situation is a great environment to focus just on one thing and accelerate learning process of players. Performing simple drills will let players think more about the technique so they can learn how to execute any stroke. Hitting angles can be difficult at the beginning because this shot requires specific adjustments to the player’s technique. Regular groundstrokes use extension of the arm while putting the ball shorter and closer to the sideline is the shot where wrist plays dominant role. Ability to isolate and accelerate the last phase of the shot using mostly the wrist is the skill that many Spaniards show during clay court season.

In this drill players work on hitting angles from different positions on the court. Hitting balls all the time from the same spot is not the environment that players are going to meet during the tournaments. Match play requires constant adaptations because there are not 2 exactly the same balls in tennis. Coach should give different balls according to the placement to make players aware of neccesary adjustments. Balls closer to the sideline, higher or outside the doubles alley are examples of situations that the opponent can put our players into so they have to know how to deal with it.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Hit deep to score:

Split the group into 2 teams.

One of each team goeas and stands in the box on the opposite side of the net and has to try and return the ball down the line each time.

They are not allowed out of the box to start with.

The Game.

Coach feeds alternate sides.

Forehand Drills

Hit deep:

Split the players into 2 equal groups, Both hitting forehands.

Coach feeds left then right.

Players have to move out to the ball and try to hit the ball into the coned are down the line.

Play first team to score 10 points.

Forehand Drills

Height's decision:

2 players rally in cross court direction. Players make proper tactical decisions according to the height of the ball they receive. If the ball is really low player hits neutral shot. If the ball is at knee-to-hip level player hits neutral/offensive shot. If the ball is over the hips player tries to be aggressive.

Drill specifications:

Switch after 1 min or specific number of shots

4 players are hitting with each other while others cooperate with partners. Waiting players should focus on perception of the incoming ball so easy exercise where player 1 throws the ball at random height and player B has to say âhighâ, âmediumâ or âlowâ and hit it softly back to the player should be incorporated to accelerate the learning process. Fitness drills are also preferred with the main focus on legs and shoulders (necessary for successful attempts with high and low balls)

Forehand Drills

Hit angle from anywhere:

Player stands on the baseline. Coach faces the player. Coach throws different balls to one side. Player hits angle shot and recovers.

Drill specifications:

1-5 reps per set

Close drills can be easily adjusted to the different numbers of players. Coach can make this drill really dynamic by switching the players after only one hit. This variation is a great way to stay in the rhythm of hitting and to learn from others while waiting only few seconds for own turn. To improve cooperation and teamwork coach can put one of the players to feed the ball however coach has to be aware of playerâs feeding skills and give him instructions on where to aim with the feed. While having a someone to feed coach can stay next to the hitting players and constantly give feedback about their performance.

Forehand Drills

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