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baseline DRILLS
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Advanced progression of Returning drills

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

Serve and Return

Good court positioning

-Learning correct positions enhances court coverage and enables the player to respond to the most likely shot placements by the opponent.-Place 4 markers in a diamond shape around the centre of the baseline. Start by the coach telling the player to move to a correct marker after each shot.(Using forward, back, left, right commands.

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

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

Taking the ball early

-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.

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

Behind the Baseline and Sideli...

Coach feeds balls to the deuce side.Player alternates hitting deep forehand cross-court and forehand angle cross-court.

General

Tennis: Forehand/Backhand Acro...

Coach, 2 players, and a basket of tennis balls. Players 1 and 2 start off on the baseline, and each work on half a court. Coach feeds balls for the players to play deep forehand shots moving across the baseline, in their half of the court. Coach then feeds balls for the players to move back across the baseline, and play deep backhand shots. Drill continues until basket of balls runs out.

General

High ball from the baseline Ba...

The coach stands in from of the player and throws a high ball off the ground to player's backhand. The player hits backhand over the shoulder.

General

Attack + play points inside th...

2 players play points against each other. Player B feeds an easy ball. Player A attacks it and the point begins. Player A has to play the point all the time inside the baseline. Drill specifications:2-3 points and switchPoints are short so players can play few rallies in a row before they switch. Playing inside the baseline requires great footwork skills and many shots played in low position so lunges can be performed by waiting players to improve legs’ strength and become more natural while playing shots in really low position.

General

Baseline scenario Forehand & B...

The coach feeds fast ball to deuce side. The player runs and hits deep forehand cross-court. The coach immediately feeds drop shot to ad side, the player then sprints and hits deep backhand slice down the line.

General

Moving opponent Rally Drills -...

<BR>-Place markers in each corner.<BR>-Players aim for either of the two outside markers attempting to make the opponent move.<BR>-Players must recover quickly after each shot.

General

Attack it or drop it Forehand ...

Player stands on the baseline. Coach feeds an easy ball and stays on the baseline or moves far behind it. Player has to make proper decision according to the coach’s position. If the coach is on the baseline player should attack the easy ball with a powerful groundstroke. If the coach moves far behind the baseline player should hit a drop shot.Drill specifications:4 repetitions per setSmall number of repetitions is required to achieve quality work. Peripheral vision is one of the skills that is necessary to effectively execute offensive strokes. Waiting players should work on making quick decisions after the visual sign so coach should prepare physical drills based on quick reaction.

General

Regular Rally with a Drive Ral...

The player stands on the baseline, whilst the coach stands at the net. Both rally together; the player uses only backhand cross court, whilst the coach hits the ball back with a volley.The coach hits randomly a slower and higher ball to allow the player to hit backhand drive in the air.The next step of every skill is to check how the player can react to a situation where given skill can be used. Setting an environment, where the player is forced to react and use drive in the air, is an opportunity to develop tactical awareness.

General

Backhand Backhand Drills - Ten...

<BR>Coach feeds live ball to Player who backhand returns<BR><BR>The coach then lays a cross court for the player who hits the ball at a target close to the baseline</BR>

General

Ball roll Movement - Tennis Dr...

Player 1 is feeding from the service box and player 2 starts on the baseline T in the ready position.Player 1 rolls tennis balls along the ground, in a random pattern, one after the other and player 2 must move to each ball, stop it with their hand before it goes outside the singles tramlines or baseline.After stopping the ball player 2 should roll it back to player 1 who can then roll the next ball.

General

Lateral Forehands Drill Foreha...

Players start off in doubles alley and move along the baseline hitting 2 forehands.

General

Serve and Recover Serve and Re...

Coach is in front of the player. Coach rolls the ball on the ground quickly after player serves the ball. Player's goal is to recover behind the baseline before ball goes between the legs.

General

Tennis: Forehand x 3 Moving Ac...

Coach, 4 players, and a basket of tennis balls. Player 1 starts off on the centre of the baseline. Coach feeds 3 balls across the court from the players left to right, for the player to run on to and play 3 deep forehand returns. Player 1 joins the queue and player 2 steps on for the drill to be repeated. Drill continues until all 4 players have had a turn. Repeat the drill.  

General

Approach and volley Volley Dri...

Players start off on baseline moves into no mans land for approach shot then move up to hit a 1st volley and finish with a 2nd volley.

General

Good court positioning Rally D...

<BR>-Learning correct positions enhances court coverage and enables the player to respond to the most likely shot placements by the opponent.<BR>-Place 4 markers in a diamond shape around the centre of the baseline. Start by the coach telling the player to move to a correct marker after each shot.(Using forward, back, left, right commands.

General

Lob off drop Lob - Tennis Dril...

The player stands on the baseline. Cones mark the deep zone. The coach stands close to the net and feeds a drop shot to the backhand side and takes the racquet up. The player sprints forward and hits deep backhand slice lob off drop shot.

General

Drop And Run Movement - Tennis...

The player stands in one corner of the court, with the coach on the opposite side of the baseline. The coach drops the ball from shoulder height and the player must sprint across the baseline and hit the ball, before returning to their starting position.

General

Forehand recovery Movement - T...

Coach feeds the ball to the forehand side, with the player just behind the baseline.Player runs out, hits one forehand, recovers their position to the middle and runs out for a second and third time. After the third time they go past the middle as though the next shot is coming to their backhand.For the first two shots they hit the ball crosscourt and then the last one down the line.

General

Basic Match Half Volley Rally ...

Player stands on the service line.Coach stands on the baseline.Player rallies with coach.Coach hits regular topspin balls into the player's legs.Player executes adeep backhand half-volley to the center of the court.

General

Answer drop shot Backhand Dril...

The player stands on the baseline and the coach stands close to the net. The coach feeds drop shot to the backhand side. The player sprints forward and hits deep backhand slice down the line off drop shot.

General

Hit angle from anywhere Foreha...

Player stands on the baseline. Coach faces the player. Coach throws different balls to one side. Player hits angle shot and recovers.Drill specifications:1-5 reps per setClose drills can be easily adjusted to the different numbers of players. Coach can make this drill really dynamic by switching the players after only one hit. This variation is a great way to stay in the rhythm of hitting and to learn from others while waiting only few seconds for own turn. To improve cooperation and teamwork coach can put one of the players to feed the ball however coach has to be aware of player’s feeding skills and give him instructions on where to aim with the feed. While having a someone to feed coach can stay next to the hitting players and constantly give feedback about their performance.

General

Cone Warm Up Agility & Fitness...

Set up a cone on the baseline, and if there is more than one player taking part in the session, you can set up multiple cones to be used, but ensure these are correctly spaced out.Players will use quick footwork to move around the cone in circles.

General

Serve and jump over the cone S...

A cone is placed on the baseline. The player performs regular serve, where the goal is for them to jump over the cone while serving.

General

Alternate hitting volley and s...

The player stands at the net on the ad side and the coach stands on the baseline on the ad side. Players rally together. The player at the net alternates hitting backhand volley and overhead.

General

Drop Step Movement - Tennis Dr...

Player stays behind the baseline.Player imitates the movement to the right side using a drop step.Drop step means that a player should move their back leg under their body and turn it to the hitting side to improve acceleration onto the ball.

General

Rally with recovery Backhand D...

The player warms up backhand stroke and works on recovery, and rallies with another player. One player is using only backhand strokes. After each hit, the player has to recover to the middle and go around the cone.

General

Down the line Forehand & Backh...

Coach feeds alternate ball 1 forehand followed by on backhand. Players hit two shots each before going to back of the que. Players have to ytry and hit the ball deep down the line.

General

baseline SESSIONS
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Cross-court forehands - The ba...

Improve this powerful and explosive stroke with your players so that they can hit the baseline and give their opponent the run-around!

Worthy Slice From The Forehand Side

To improve control over the sliced, backspin shot from the forehand side.

Feeling Comfortable At The Front Of The Court

To improve skills that are necessary to take advantage of short balls and win points at the net.

Tactical Solutions to Beat Different Opponents

To understand the type of the opponent, quickly analyse their playing style and choose the best possible tactical solution.

Learning to take the ball early and inside the court

Get your players to take the ball at the top of the bounce, making the shot easier for themselves while simultaneously giving their opponent less time!

Cardio Tennis Fun

Improve your player's tennis skills in a friendly and fun environment while being active and burning a lot of calories!

Developing The Basics Of The Baseline Game

Learn how to perfect the baseline game and dominate your opponent!

Technical Basics of the Backhand Volley

To start from scratch and break down the backhand volley to ensure the correct technique is used by players.

No more Boring Basket Drills

Make training interesting by mixing up the practices to get your players thinking how to adapt from one situation to the next.

Better Footwork Creates a Stronger Game

In a match, every ground stroke is played off a different variety of footwork movements. A fine technique is built upon the ability to take an effective position on court to play the stroke. Therefore develop your players reaction times and their footwork with a focus on their technique and tactical positioning.

Varying The Depth At The Net

To improve depth perception when coming into the net to hit the ball with precision at various depths on the approach or at the net.

Get comfortable inside the court

Federer, 36 years old and still one of the best on tour. It?s because he moves so well around the court and varies his lengths and shots to dictate the play. It?s time your players did the same!

Good Performance Close to the Net

To work on different aspects of volleying and positioning at the net to develop an effective net game.

Improve Your Groundstrokes

Build your power, hone in your accuracy and develop into the best grinder in the game with flawless groundstrokes.

Keep Constant Pressure On Your Opponent

To understand how to put pressure on the rival and work on specific patterns behind and inside the baseline.

Solid game based on fundamental principles

To work on players baseline game focusing predominantly on reactions but also technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of building and winning a rally.

Coach the Cross-Court Forehand...

Improve this powerful and explosive stroke with your players, so that they can hit the baseline and give their opponent the run-around!
baseline ANSWERS
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what drills do you use to teach contact point skills to mini reds

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

liz Sharman Coach, England

What can you do to help a player with their serve?

What can you do to help a player with their serve, when they say they want to get more power on it?

Archived User Coach

What practice drill could i use to improve attacking play in tennis?

What practice drill could i use to improve attacking play in tennis for youth players?

Archived User Coach

HOW DO YOU DO A SPIN SERVE

HOW DO YOU DO A SPIN SERVE

Archived User Coach

how can i correct a slapping forehand

one of my student is playing is forehand , with slapping. pls let me know how to correct it. gana.

Coach, United States of America

Hi Guys, How best to teach a return of serve

Hi Guys, Just wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to teach a block return from serve and a slice return from serve to 13y.o juniors who are playing against big servers Cheers

Ciaran Cahill Coach, Ireland

Lost confidence in my serve-how can I get my 1st serve confidence back?

Hi, I'm a teenis player (ITF Futures level) I used to do a lot of ace as 30 or 40 % in my first serve. Then, I had an injury (ankle) and I was awhile without training. I started playing again 3 month ago, and now  I don't have any confidence in my serve. For this reason I have to play with second serves almost all matches and practises. I would like to know what can I do. I would appreciate if someone could help me in this case. Thanks.  

Archived User Coach

How to teach single and double-handed backhands to U10s?

teaching single and doublehanded backhands to under 10s

Archived User Coach

I'm coaching middle school tennis for the first time. Where to begin?

Coaching tennis to middle school athletes for the first time. How do I begin?

Rhonda R Lang Coach, United States of America

I want to improve my tennis toughness & play more aggressively - any tips?

I used to play on clay court for 20 years, now it's been two years that I've been exposed to hard court. About my game%3A I have a very good technique on all my strokes including volley, good kick serve, I am 192 cm. My issue%3A I was not taught to play aggressively, now in my matches I don't take the net; consequently, in spite of executing a high level tennis, I loose to some players that I never should. I've read some tennis mental toughness books, I teach them, but I don't know how can I change my own mental set. When I hit top spin (groundies), I enjoy and feel secure, even though it results in my loss and sorrow. I'm ready for change but how?

Farhad Roshanaie Coach, United States of America

How do I coach 14 girls (varying abilities) on just 2 courts?

How do I coach 14 girls, all of varying levels from beginner to advanced on just two courts?

Archived User Coach

What are some good intense footwork drills?

I have this player who is 27 years of age, very competitive and driving complete player with great technique on his ground stokes. Basically a great all around player from the baseline and net. I want to challenge him with a intense footwork drill that will tire him out, yet get the necessary hitting time. The more intense and sweat the drill produces the better, I'm the kind of coach where footwork is the basic foundation for all tennis players. I'm open to any suggestions, thank you for your time.

Archived User Coach

How do I persuade a player to try my tactics?

I have a left hand player who is very aggressive at the baseline, but he doesn't really want to go to the net. I think if he comes to the net he will improve a lot, so what can I do with players to get them to try new ideas?

Archived User Coach

Position of the coach when feeding

hi. My name is Letty . Im a young coach trying to get level1 (ITF). Kindly help me with the position of the coach when trying to get a player u12 to practice passing.is it wrong for the coach to be in the service box or not?

Letlhogonolo M Matenge Coach, Botswana

Use The middle of The court

How to best use The middle of The court?

Costel Coravu Coach, Romania

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