Tennis: Hitting on the rise

DESCRIPTION

Player stays on the baseline. Cones are set behind the player. Coach feeds deep higher balls. Player takes the ball on the rise and hits aggressively. Cones prevents the player from moving back.

Drill specifications:

6-8 repetitions per set

Other players can watch the playing person to learn from his good and bad attempts or they can perform specific physical activities that will have a positive influence on “hitting on the rise” aspect. That’s why these drills should be focused on shoulders’ strength and power because of physical demands of this stroke.

COACHING POINTS

Hitting on the rise is a good way to become more offensive. By hitting the ball on the rise player shortens opponent’s reaction and recovery times so rival will commit more mistakes than usual. This tactic is especially effective on hard courts because of the regular bounce of the ball. That is why we see more professional players hitting balls on the rise during the US OPEN than during the ROLAND GARROS.

In this drill player works on hitting on the raise. This technical aspect requires good coordination and strength so coach should implement specific physical exercises on a daily basis to supplement this process. Coach should teach players to focus on proper timing because hitting on the rise can’t be performed with regular backswing. Players have to adjust to the incoming ball by shortening the racquet preparation and generating more power from the all body parts than from the racquet.