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Tennis: Chip and Charge

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Nail, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

Player 1 only has one serve. Player 2 returns and follows it into the net to volley or smash. The server should not be allowed to lob the first shot. Player 2 should aim for either a deep return or cross court.

Play out the points and first to seven points is the winner.

COACHING POINTS

Returner must maintain balance when moving forward.

If possible slice the return.

Split step when approaching the net.

Server to react quickly after serve.

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Advanced progression of Returning drills:

Player 1 hits a serve, with player 2Â trying to return between the baseline and the Throw Down Line (lines are placed according to player's level).

Serve and Return

Cone Serving:

Players serve at the targets shown, taking two balls at a time and serving 1 first serve, 1 second serve at each target.

After a certain amount of time players switch and repeat the same from the other side.

The player with the most targets at the end of the practice wins the drill.

If groups are large, players can take it in turns to serve one after the other, and/or also from the doubles serving positions.

Serve and Return

1st and 2nd volley position:

The coach is feeding from the basket and players hit 2 balls each, a 1st volley and a 2nd volley.

Players can start between the baseline and the service-line running forwards and split-stepping as the coach makes contact with the ball.

After hitting the first volley down the line, they must move forwards closing the net down and edging to cover the line before they hit the 2nd volley cross-court.

The 1st volley must be played deep and the 2nd volley as a shorter angled shot.

Volley Drills

Approach and smash:

-2 feeding players, with a basket in the middle.
- Feed a short ball followed by a lob.
- After the approach shot the player smashes the lob.

Smash Drills

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