Tennis: Control direction

Develop your players technique for hitting the half-volley while instilling a tactical understanding of when and how to play the stroke for maximum effect.

Starting on the baseline, the player stands facing the coach. The coach then feeds the player balls.

The player returns the balls by hitting a half-volley.

After each return shot the player moves forward, and the coach steps back so the gap between them both stay the same.

Players stand on the service line. Both players are only allowed to play their designated shot.

Player 1 hits a topspin shots; Player 2 returns the ball by hitting half-volleys.

Players warm up by running and performing dynamic stretches.

The coach should ask players to perform exercises which will help to develop the skills related to the half-volley.

In this warm up set up two cones about 1.5 metres apart. Ask your player to stand facing the cones, then reach down to the cone on his/her left with their right hand.

Then return to the standing position before reaching for the left cone with the right hand.

Before the player begins this drill the coach should demonstrate the correct way to play the stroke while explaining the important details about the shot.

Firstly the players should practise the motion of the forehand and then backhand stroke.

Secondly the coach should gently throw balls to the player, who has to perform a half volley using their hand.