If your player is regularly losing points when returning a serve or while in a rally then developing their defensive and attacking cross court shots could rapidly improve their chances of staying in the game.
Why hit cross court shots?
When played correctly it will give your player time to get back into an attacking position to hit their favourite point winning shot whether hitting a ground stroke or volley.
The cross court shot is a particular good option because it carries less risk of hitting the net, the ball has a longer distance to travel (allowing the player extra recovery time before the return) and increases angle possibilities.
Benefits of this plan
This session plan will give your players a better understanding of how to return shots and serves by hitting to the corner of the court. The drills will get your player returning straight from the serve, from various positions on the court, and from different heights and angles to mimic game situations.
By using this session plan your players will strengthen their backhand and forehand strokes and gain an understanding of how to move into position to hit cross court shots by learning to adjust their feet.
The benefits of the plan also include improving your players' reaction time. It does this by honing their technical skills through practising hitting shots while moving back and forth from the net to the baseline.
Wimbledon arrives at the end of June and the grass court swing transforms how the game is played. Low bounces, slippery footing, and rewards for forward play demand a different tactical mindset. Here is how to coach it.
With Roland Garros centre stage in May, clay court tennis demands a different toolkit: controlled sliding, longer rallies, and patient point construction. Here is how to coach the surface that humbles power players and rewards craft.
The slice backhand is experiencing a renaissance in modern tennis, valued for its ability to change pace, create approach opportunities, and neutralise powerful opponents. This guide breaks down the technique, tactical applications, and training progressions coaches need to develop this essential shot at every level.