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Tennis: High balls are last balls

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Nick, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

The coach feeds high balls to the forehand side. The player takes higher backswing, moves forward and hits offensive volley.

COACHING POINTS

Doubles is characterised by many volley rallies so good reaction and solid technical skills are needed to win points at the net. Being able to effectively deal with low, medium, and high balls are requirements to play effectively in defensive, neutral, and offensive scenarios.

In this drill, the player works on high volleys. It is important to firstly focus on technical aspects (higher backswing, movement forward) to make sure that player develops automatic habits. Doubles is a quick game so there is no time for thinking. The best players react automatically so these habits have to practised. The coach should explain to players that keeping the ball low over the net while playing volleys is crucial and every ball that is higher than shoulders' level should be punished with offensive volley.

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Hidden doubles weapon:

The player feeds high ball to coach who stands at the net. The coach hits overhead to the ad side and the player tries to counter this shot using backhand topspin lob down the line.

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Poach with touch:

The player stands close to the net on the deuce side. The coach feeds diagonal ball to the ad side. The player then sprints across the centre and hits a backhand stop volley cross-court.

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Doubles movement:

-Player 2 starts with a second serve to advantage court.
-Returner hits a lob return over player 1s head and follows it into the net.
-Player 2 chases the lob and returns it down the line.
-Player 1 moves to hot seat in the middle.
-Returner hits cross court volley to player 1.
-Player 2 comes to net and the point is played out.
-The same drill can be repeated on the deuce side of the court.

Doubles Drills

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.

Serve and Return

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