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Tennis: Mixed-spins rally

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DESCRIPTION

Coach and player rally together in cross-court direction.
Coach uses only forehand topspin - player tries to respond using only forehand slice.

COACHING POINTS

In this drill, player works on control over forehand slice in match-like conditions. To be able to change rhythm of the point and force mistakes, player has to be able to change spin and respond to topspin with solid underspin. By playing rallies against topspin shots, player learns how to adapt to different spin and apply underspin even when the ball is bouncing higher than hip level. This experience creates self-confidence in player’s mind and makes them ready to use the slice even during the most important moments of the game. The tangible goal of this exercise can be related to repetitions (the longest rally) or to precision (hit the cone).

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Movement to and from an inside out forehand:

Players are working in groups of 3, with players 2 and 3 feeding and player 1 'working'.

Player 1 is hitting one forehand cross and one forehand inside out to player 3.

Player 2 is hitting one forehand down the line aiming for the red cone.

Player 3 is hitting one backhand line into the target zone.

The drill continues in this way with players rallying co-operatively for a certain length of time, 3 minutes for example, before rotating.

Forehand Drills

Move To The Shot:

Coach stands in front of the player. Coach tosses the ball either in front of the player or behind the player. Player moves and hits overhead.

Smash Drills

Make your opponent run:

Player A hits forehand cross court, forehand inside out and forehand inside in. After this pattern both players play the point out.

Forehand Drills

Make your run count:

Coach and player rally together using backhand cross-court shots. Coach hits random drop shot down the line. Player runs and hits counter drop shot cross-court to win the point.

Forehand Drills

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