Coach and player rally together using backhand cross-court shots. Coach hits random drop shot down the line. Player runs and hits counter drop shot cross-court to win the point.
Tennis is about sending and receiving so players should learn both of these skills. Many players know well how to hit drop shot but they are not comparably skilled with hitting counter drop shots. Ability to play touch shots on the full run has to be trained consistently to be able to execute this shot effectively under the pressure.
In this drill player works on counter drop shot skills. By performing the rally before the drop shot action player doesn't know when to expect the run. Because of that player works on mental skills (focus), physical preparation (reaction, speed, endurance, deceleration) and tennis skills (control, touch shots, backspin) at the same time. Coach should tell players to try to hide the intention (direction and power) of the shot to make sure that opponent doesn't know where to go before the ball is hit.
On-court coaching is now fully legal, technology continues to advance, and the ATP calendar evolves. Here's what tennis coaches need to know for 2026.
Tennis demands a unique combination of endurance, power, agility, and flexibility. Physical preparation determines how long careers last and how players perform when it matters most.
Ecological dynamics is transforming tennis coaching. This constraints-led approach develops adaptable, creative players who can solve problems in competition, not just execute drilled patterns.
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