Coach serves the ball from the ad side.
Player then has to return the serve using a backhand slice return cross court between cones/ markers.
In this drill, the player works on his/her backhand slice when returning the serve.
The player should maintain a low position and 'cut' under the ball to clear the net and land the ball deep in the court.
Practising returning in a cross court direction is a tactical option, and when played correctly will allow the player to get into a good position for the next shot and increase their chances of winning the point.
As a player's skill level increases make the area they have to return the ball to smaller by moving the cones.
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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