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Tennis: Mini-returning skills with the cone

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

Bill, Newly qualified coach

DESCRIPTION

Player stands on the ad side with a cone in hand. Coach serves from the ad side. Player then catches the ball inside the cone and throws it over the net.

During the first few tennis lessons, it can be too hard for kids to return the ball with the racquet. So the coach has to adapt to this situation and still improve returning skills; using a cone is a great opportunity to imitate a returning environment and improve receiving abilities.

COACHING POINTS

In this drill, player works mostly on receiving skills. Catching the ball in the cone demands from the player to move to the proper position and observe the ball at the same time. Both of these skills are required later to successfully hit the ball with the racquet so it is a good introduction for kids.

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Improving Key Skills For Juniors

Use this session plan to help your playersâ confidence and skills grow, by putting in use of key skills that are required in the game.

OFTEN USED WITH...

Answer the serve:

Coach serves from the deuce side. The player then hits a cross-court forehand return.

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Knee Serve (single knee):

Player kneels down, putting one knee on the floor. Player serves from this position.

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Serve it through the hoop:

A hoop is set on the ad side in a standing position. Player serves from the ad side, and tries to make the ball land inside the hoop.

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Make that backhand!:

A hoop is set as a target in a standing position on the deuce side. Coach throws the ball to the backhand side, and the player tries to hit backhand down the line. The aim is for the ball to land inside the hoop.

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