The coach serves wide from the ad side and the player hits deep backhand cross-court return. The coach feeds another ball to the ad sidem and the player finishes with backhand drop shot down the line.
Building different patterns help players to play automatically when the pressure of competition is on. By preparing the plan from the first shot player feels comfortable so his execution is more successful. Knowing that most of the players have weaker backhands than forehands players should know how to exploit this weakness with serving and returning skills.
In this drill the player works on tactical pattern based on return. By hitting first ball deep into the backhand corner, the player forces the opponent to move back and hit with (most often) weaker shot. That is why it is more than possible that we will get the next ball short so it should be executed with a winning mindset. Adding drop shot after the deep ball is a surprising element because the opponent will expect another effective deep ball from us.
On-court coaching is now fully legal, technology continues to advance, and the ATP calendar evolves. Here's what tennis coaches need to know for 2026.
Tennis demands a unique combination of endurance, power, agility, and flexibility. Physical preparation determines how long careers last and how players perform when it matters most.
Ecological dynamics is transforming tennis coaching. This constraints-led approach develops adaptable, creative players who can solve problems in competition, not just execute drilled patterns.
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