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Tennis: Reactional Running

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Nick, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

Coach stands in front of the player and keeps one ball in hand.
Player performs dynamic footwork.
Coach drops the ball randomly.
Player starts to the ball and tries to catch it after one bounce.

COACHING POINTS

In this drill player works on reaction and speed. The first 2 steps are crucial for all tennis players because they decide how much time player will have to prepare for the shot. Coach should pay attention to these 2 aspects separately: firstly how quickly player reacts to the ball dropping and also how fast player can get to the ball. If there is any weakness visible, player and coach should spend more time on this specific area.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Perfect 8:

Player goes around the cones and hits forehands and backhands.

Movement

Deal With High Balls:

Coach feeds high and short balls to the deuce side.
Player moves forward and alternates hitting attacking forehand after the bounce and forehand drive volley out of the air.

Forehand Drills

Quick Feet Around the Ball:

Player rolls the ball.
Player tries to make as many circles around the ball as possible while facing the net all the time.

Movement

Ball drop speed drill:

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.

Movement

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Tennis

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