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Tennis: Finish in 3 shots

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Bill, Newly qualified coach

DESCRIPTION

2 players play points against each other. Player A has to finish the point in 3 shots to win.

Drill specifications:

2-3 points and switch

Points are short so players can play few rallies in a row before they switch. With more players on the court waiting players should perform physical activities to improve footwork or they can observe other players to learn different tactical approaches.

COACHING POINTS

At the lower levels of performance, 2-3 offensive shots in a row are enough to win the point so players have to learn how to maintain some consistency while hitting the balls with more risk. At the top level there are totally different demands so players like Nadal or Djokovic have to perform full-speed shots over and over again to increase the chances for winning. Being limited to only 3 shots in rally, player has to bring his A game and focus totally on execution to win the point.

In this drill players work on offensive skills in a match situation. Playing points is a demanding environment because everyone wants to win. Knowing that players tend to go back to old habits coach has to emphasize using all the skills that were learned during the previous sessions. 2 players have different objectives so tactical skills are aspects that players should focus on. Player A wants to win the point within 3 shots so offensive responses have to be implemented from the first execution. Player B should focus more on defensive solutions to develop consistency while responding to the offensive rival. Coach should ask both players about possible strategies and encourage them to use all the skills (drop shots, angles, attacks).

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Forehand / Backhand (live):

Player starts in centre, having recieved a ball from the backhand side of the court.
Player has to hit back the 1st backhand the 2nd forehand and finishes with a backhand down the line into the open court.

Forehand & Backhand Drill

Feeling the ball - Soft hands:

Players stand opposite each other across the net, halfway between the service line and the net.

They must gently tap the ball over the net using a little slice, both off the forehand and the backhand, cutting under the ball gently as if playing a dropshot.

The drill can last for 5 minutes or so until players have begun to 'feel' the ball under maximum control.

Forehand & Backhand Drill

Feed Variation:

Player starts on the baseline with the coach just in front of them, ready to feed the ball to them. The feed should be done in a 4 ball pattern: 1 short forehand, 1 short backhand, 1 deep forehand and 1 deep backhand. The player comes forward to the feed and plays the shot before returning to the baseline ready for the next feed.

Movement

Dynamic Consistency:

One player stands in the deuce corner, with their opponent stood in the middle of the baseline at the other end. They are moved around the court by the player in the deuce corner, who can hit the ball anywhere on the court, while the other player can only hit forehands to the deuce side.

Rally Drills

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