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Tennis: Taking the ball early

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DESCRIPTION

-Both players have cones approx 2 meters in front of base line (depending on players skill level.
-Players gain a point each time they hit between the cone and the base line.
-One of the players has to stay on or inside the baseline.
-With more advanced players both have to play on or inside the baseline.
-First player to 11 points wins the game.
-To make the drill easier it can be played on one half of the court and later progressed to full court.
-The game can also be started with a second serve.

COACHING POINTS

Advice players to anticipate the direction of the ball early by reading the body shape of the opponent (i.e. if opponent slightly leaning back or streching the shot is likely to be weaker etc.) or by watching the contact point very carefully.

To maintain good balance players should keep close to the ground to maintain low centre of gravity.

Coach must match the drill with the skill level of players in order not to demotivate them.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Rewarding depth:

-Lines of cones are placed as seen in the picture above.
-To make the drill easier it can be played on one half of the court and later progressed to full court.
-If the ball lands in the service box a point is deducted.Ball landing between the 2 lines of cones = 1 point.Players gain 3 points for shots hit into the last quarter.
-First player to 11 points wins the game.
-The game can also be started with a second serve.

Rally Drills

Shot selection:

-Players play in pairs as a team and alternate shots scoring a point each time a shot is hit in the back 1/3 of the court.
-If a ball is hit short the players can attack.
-Attacking shots should also be hit deep (1/3 back of court) and if they are hit as outright winners the team will score an extra 3 points.
-First side to 7 points wins the game.
-The game can also be started with service and then carried on as described above.

Rally Drills

Under pressure ground strokes:

-Rally until a mistake is made by the baseliner.
-Baseliners swap out on mistakes.
-Volley player swaps after 2-3 minutes.

Rally Drills

Queen/King of Depth:

-Both players have cones approx 2 meters in front of base line (depending on players skill level.
-Players gain a point each time they hit between the cone and the base line.
-First player to 11 points wins the game.
To make the drill easier it can be played on one half of the court and later progressed to full court.
The game can also be started with with a second serve.

Rally Drills

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