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Tennis: the serve

the serve DRILLS
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Attack and Intercept

-Player serves to deuce court towards feeder and comes to the net.-The first player on the advantage side shadows the server and comes to net.-Feeder hits a ball to server who returns it cross court.-Feeder hits towards server again but the shadow server intercepts and hits cross-court winner.

Doubles Drills

Attacking and dominating with the serve

-Player 1 is serving in shaded area all the time.-Player 2 is not allowed to stand in the tramlines before player 1 serves.-After the return play out the point. -Each pair keeps their score and plays first to 7 points.

Attacking

Doubles returning

-Players are positioned in a doubles formation as seen in the picture. -The server will serve first and second serves as in a game situation.-The receiver will hit any of the returns as shown in the picture.-The players can play out the points after the return.-After approximately 6-10 serves the players swop round so that each player gets to serve and return and from both sides.

Doubles Drills

Progression of Returning drills

DescriptionPlay out the point after the serve and if the returner hits the depth area and eventually wins the point will receive bonus points. Encourages returner to put pressure on opponent.

Serve and Return

Returning drills

Players return the serve down the line and take it in turns to serve.

Serve and Return

Returning with Angles - Progression

The server then plays out the point and returner gains bonus points if the angled returns hit the designated areas between the service line and the inside tramline and eventually wins the point.

Serve and Return

Returning with Angles

TDL are placed half a metre inside the singles service line The server 2nd serves and the returner aims for the target. Progression - As before however, server plays out the point and the returner gains a bonus point if the returner hit the designated area and eventually wins the point

Serve and Return

Returning with Depth

Place Throw down lines (TDL) 1m inside the baseline on the servers side The server 2nd serves and the returner is trying to return the ball between the TDL and the baseline. Play out the point after the serve and if the returner hits the depth area and eventually wins the point they get a bonus point. Advanced progression - returner receiving both 1st and 2nd serves inside the baseline or close to the service box.

Serve and Return

Serve Placement

Divide the box into 3 areas using TDL (Throw down lines) First person to hit each area 3 times on both the deuce and advantage boxes is the winner Progression - The server has to say which area they are going to serve into if the serve lands in that area and they win the point they get a bonus point

Serve and Return

Use the alley

TacticDetermine the rally with the wide serve. How effective is the serve on a wide serve.DescriptionPlayer A is serving in area A all the time. However player B is not allowed to to stand in the tramlines before player A serves. Then play out points first to 7 points. Player A should be trying to dominate the rally with their serve pulling player B into or beyond the tramlines.

Rally Drills

Serve / Return Point Play Serv...

Player 1 is serving and will play a sequence of 4 points against player 2 as follows:Serving from the deuce court player 1 must serve wide. Player 2 must return the shot to player 1's forehand side.<br /><br />Serving from the deuce court player 1 must serve inside. Player 2 must return the shot to player 1's backhand side.<br /><br />Serving from the advantage court player 1 must serve inside to player 2 who must return the ball to player 1's forehand corner.<br /><br />Serving from the advantage court player 1 must serve wide to player 2 who must return the ball to player 1's backhand side.</div>

General

Serving A / B Serve and Return...

Player 1 has to tell player 2 whether the are serving into area A or B. Player 1 has two serves, if the serve goes in the correct area and they eventually win the point they get a bonus point. If the serve goes in the unstated area the point is still played out with no bonus points. The first player to 4 points wins.

General

Start the rally with return Se...

The coach serves wide from the deuce side. The player hits forehand down the line return and starts the rally in down the line direction.

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

Target Serve Corner Serve and ...

4 players, cones or spots, basket of tennis balls. 4 cones set up in each corner of the service box. Two players take 2 serves each to the relevant service box aiming to hit the cones. The next 2 players then take 2 serves each. The drill continues until all balls have been used. 1 point scored for every cone hit. 

General

Depth of serve Serve and Retur...

TDL = Throw down lines<BR>Place some TDL 2 feet inside the service line<BR> - Player A only has one serve per point. <BR> - If they serve between TDL and the service line and eventually win the point they score two points but if the serve is short they will only score 1 point.

General

One serve - Under Pressure Ser...

Player 1 has only one serve and the score is 30 - 30. The first player to win 3 games is the winner. If player 1 successfully makes the serve and wins the point they win the game. If not they only have 1 serve for the next point. If they win that point the game goes to sudden death.

General

using the serve advantage Fore...

The player serves wide from the ad side, with the aim of getting the ball to land between two cones in the serving box on the opposite side of the court. The coach, standing in front of the player, then feeds him/her the ball to their backhand side. The player then has to run around and hit forehand inside in, with the aim of getting the ball to land between two cones placed in the corner of the deuce side on the other side of the net.

General

3 progressive returns Serve an...

The coach stands on the service line (ad side), and the player starts from the baseline. The coach serves to the T, so that the players hits a forehand return cross-court. After successful hit into the zone, the player moves forward between service line and baseline, and hits another return. After successful hit into the zone, the player moves forward to the service line to execute another return.

General

Mini-returning skills with the...

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.

General

Shadow With The Band Serve and...

You will need a resistance band to perform this drill. The player takes the band and shadows their serving motion. In this drill, the player warms up all the body parts needed for the serving action. The resistance band is great for working the arms as they are separated.

General

Doubles returning Serve and Re...

<BR>-Players are positioned in a doubles formation as seen in the picture. <BR>-The server will serve first and second serves as in a game situation.<BR>-The receiver will hit any of the returns as shown in the picture.<BR>-The players can play out the points after the return.<BR>-After approximately 6-10 serves the players swop round so that each player gets to serve and return and from both sides.

General

Tennis: Serve Wide and Punish ...

Coach stands in front of the player. Player serves wide from the deuce side before coach tosses the ball to the player's forehand. Player moves and hits forehand down the line.

General

Stay stable after the serve Se...

Player performs a regular serves. The goal of this exercise is for the player to land on his/her front foot and maintain balance on one leg after the serve. The back foot should be in the air.

General

Work like Agassi Serve and Ret...

Andre Agassi was one of the best returners in the game of tennis. He was famous because of his quick hands that he has developed while returning thousands of balls served from the service line.The coach stands on the service line (deuce side), and serves to the T. The player hits backhand return cross-court.

General

Tennis: Attacking and dominati...

<BR>-Player 1 is serving in shaded area all the time.<BR>-Player 2 is not allowed to stand in the tramlines before player 1 serves.<BR>-After the return play out the point. <BR>-Each pair keeps their score and plays first to 7 points.

General

Tennis: Backhand Slice Return ...

Player waits for the serve on the ad side.Coach serves wide from the ad side.Player executes deep backhand slice return in cross-court direction.<br>

General

Surprise Your Opponent Serve a...

Coach serves second serve from Deuce/Advantage side. Player responds with return as a drop shot.

General

Returning A / B Serve and Retu...

Player 2 has to tell player 1 where they are returning before the serve. Server only has one serve (depending o n the level of the player). Player 2 is rewarded bonus points for htiing into designated area and eventually winning the point.

General

Cone Serving Serve and Return ...

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.</div>

General

Returning with Depth Serve and...

Place Throw down lines (TDL) 1m inside the baseline on the servers sideThe server 2nd serves and the returner is trying to return the ball between the TDL and the baseline. Play out the point after the serve and if the returner hits the depth area and eventually wins the point they get a bonus point.Advanced progression - returner receiving both 1st and 2nd serves inside the baseline or close to the service box.

General

Serve With Hand Serve and Retu...

Serve with Hand: This exercise is a great tool to warm up whole serving action while working on proper rhythm. Player stands close to the net without the racquet. Player tosses the ball and serves while using the bare hand. Hitting in the highest point of contact and making the action smooth are priorities for this warm up drill.

General

Serve body + volley Serve and ...

Player A executes serve into the body. Player B hits the return. Player A finishes the point with a volley.Drill specifications:1 repetition per setTo make this drill really dynamic players should switch after one point at the serving side. Returning players can switch after few points to guarantee good consistency and more opportunities for the servers to work on the pattern. Waiting players should perform sprints next to the court to improve the speed that is really helpful while running to the net after the serve.

General

Serve and recovery Serve and R...

The player performs regular serve. After the serve, the player recovers behind the baseline as fast as possible.

General

Return of serve 1 Serve and Re...

Players position themselves on return line. Coach (2) takes turns serving to both deuce and the court.

General

the serve SESSIONS
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Worthy Slice From The Forehand Side

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

Serving wide to create the one two punch

This is the first part of this two-part attacking serving session - serving from the deuce court

First Shots Change the Game

Get your players into the game straight away, by working on the first shots of the rally, such as the drop shot!

Challenge the serve to meet demands!

Make your players tactically aware and ready for their return of serve, hitting shot patterns to go on the front foot

Serve and Return - Accuracy and consistency session

Get your players mastering their first and seconds serves while also working on their ability to return a speedy serve!

King Of The Deuce

Teach your players to become king of the deuce side and dominate opponents!

Return Confidence

Don't shy away from the serve! Get your players returning confidently with this week's session!

The Serve for Juniors

Develop your juniors serve by starting with the fundamentals. As such a vital part of the game, making training effective yet enjoyable is a must, so use this session to get the best from your players.

Pre-Tournament Priority Session

Focus on your players serve and return game to address priorities before heading into competition

The Beginning of the Point

To work on different aspects of the serve and return and to engrain shots that players could call upon at the start of the point.

Control and Consistency on the Court

In this session we look at building consistency and control into rallies. We look at each skill you might use at different points throughout the rally and work on getting the basic technique of these skills perfect.

Create Challenges From The Point Start

To work on different hitting patterns from the serve and into the first shot after the return.

Serving wide to create the one two punch: Advantage court

Get your players using the flat and kick serve to develop an aggressive serve and first shot combination

Doubles-Specific Practice

Work on the tactical and technical areas of the doubles game, making your players aware of the different priorities needed than in a singles match!

Nail Your Serve: Improve Technically

Share this plan with your players, as you look to work on the technical aspects of their serve!

Take your Return, to the next level!

Take your player?s service returns to the next level, with a series of drills to get them returning like pro?s!
the serve ANSWERS
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How can i control my ball toss on the serve ?

How can i control my ball toss on the serve ?

Archived User Coach

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 is the most impotend hit inthe tennis match??

What is the most impotend hit in the tennis match? Service or Return?

Archived User Coach

HOW DO YOU DO A SPIN SERVE

HOW DO YOU DO A SPIN SERVE

Archived User Coach

What is the best way to teach FH, BH and serve to beginners?

hey, I would like to know what is the best way to teach beginners the forearm and backhand and serve?

Annelisa Bekker Coach, South Africa

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

Strategy to win senior 70´s tournament singles?

How to win senior 70´s tournament singles? Strategy?

Archived User Coach

What is the most effective serve in racquetball?

What is the most effective serve in racquetball?

Archived User Coach

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 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

How can I improve the consistency of my serve?

Does anyone have any drills or tips for improving the consistency of a player's serve?

Timothy Hutton Coach, Australia

Catapult serve is a good learning point?

I coach 4-7 year olds, and when I'm teaching serves I usually start with the throwing technique without a racket, before introducing the ball toss. Someone has suggested I teach a catapult serve as a part of the learning process. I personally think this would teach bad habits as there is no toss up. Any opinions on this? Thx

Mike Childs Coach, England

What are the hand signals of a tennis umpire?

what are the official hand signals of a tennis umpire

Archived User Coach

Beginning with coaching

I would like to know if there is a package where I can start with my players completely from the beginning. New starters, never played tennis before. I'm also new in coaching tennis, therefore need to learn how to set out a tennis session and how much to do in one session. How to structure the sessions to incorporate all the shots: forehand, backhand, serve, volley etc over how long a time. And also need to know how long a tennis session must be for beginners. How big the group can be to be most effective?

Chrissie Burger Coach, South Africa

lesson plan on serve and return

how do you do a lesson plan for serving and returning while rolling the ball with racket and (tactic) moving the opponent

Bella Coach, South Africa

any level

This drill for any level?

Khaled Ebrahim Coach, <font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">مصر</font></font>

How can I improve the consiste...

Does anyone have any drills or tips for improving the consistency of a player's serve?

Timothy Hutton Coach, Australia

What is the most effective ser...

What is the most effective serve in racquetball?

Archived User Coach

What can you do to help a play...

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

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