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Tennis: Ball drop speed drill

Sportplan has been very helpful in guiding me through my first year...

Bill, Newly qualified coach

DESCRIPTION

Player 1 is feeding and can start halfway between the service line and the net with arms outstretched at shoulder height.

Player 2 is working, starting in the ready position on the baseline, but remaining active on the spot.

Player 1 must drop either of the 2 balls they have outstretched in their hands. As soon as player 2 sees this they must sprint forwards and try to get to the ball after 1 bounce.

They then throw the ball back to player 1 and shuffle their feet moving backwards in a relaxed way to get into the start position for the next feed.

COACHING POINTS

5 feeds are completed before the players switch roles and the drill can again be repeated 5 times for each player.

The feeding position can be adjusted forward or backwards depending on the players' speed and physical ability.

The feed should put the player under enough pressure so that they can only just get to the ball maybe 4 out of 5 times.

They need to be pushed!

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Anticipation and reactions:

Player side steps until the coach drops a ball.

The player must catch the ball before the second bounce. Players can also start from a stationary position with heels of the ground or hopping on one leg or criss crossing the legs or with player starting with their back to coach and the coach shouting out when throwing the ball.

Movement

Turn and Hit:

Player starts on the service line (facing back fence).

Player shuffles from side to side until when the coach says "GO!" and feeds the ball.

The player's goal is to then turn, react and hit the volley.

Movement

Donkey:

Players hit one ball before running round the court to the other end.

Each player gets 3 lives and loses one if they make a mistake, or fail to get into position on time. Alternatively players can collect letters for each mistake they make until they spell a work (like donkey).

The winner is the one left standing.

The coach can state at any time for the players to change direction in the way they are running around the court, even mid rally!

Coordination / Fun Games