Cones create deep zone. The coach feeds balls to the forehand side and the player tries to hit all the balls behind the cones.
The primary strategy of tennis at all levels of play is to hit the ball deep. Placing shots close to baseline forces the opponent to move further back, respond with easier ball or even to miss it. That is why it is really important to practise deep shots to be able to hit several balls in a row. If players are able to do so rivals need advanced skills to counter this strategy.
In this drill, the only goal is to place the balls deep. Top players are able to hit and respond to deep shots so athletes who want to win trophies need these skills. The coach should explain to players which factors have an influence on depth (speed, spin, trajectory) and have athletes work on these skills in closed environment. For more competitive players, the coach can give points for each shot into the zone and deduct one point for each shot into the net to put more pressure on athletes.
Indoor courts give players less time and less room. Help them sharpen their split step, shorten their swing and stay calm, and winter becomes a season of real progress.
A tiebreak is a short sprint where every point is worth the same as a break of serve. The players who win them are rarely the ones who hit hardest. Here is how to coach the patterns, habits and scoreboard thinking that win the big points.
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.
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