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Tennis: Ball roll

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Andrea, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

Player 1 is feeding from the service box and player 2 starts on the baseline T in the ready position.

Player 1 rolls tennis balls along the ground, in a random pattern, one after the other and player 2 must move to each ball, stop it with their hand before it goes outside the singles tramlines or baseline.

After stopping the ball player 2 should roll it back to player 1 who can then roll the next ball.

COACHING POINTS

It is easy for player 1 to do this with 2 balls alternating.

Player 1 can feed 10 balls in this way before the players switch roles. The drill can be repeated until each player has completed the drill 5 times.

Player 2 should look to move in a low balanced way, using their legs to bend to the ball rather than bending at their waist.

The aim is to get to each ball as quickly as possible and return it to player 1 in the most efficient way.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Ball drop speed drill:

Player 1 is feeding and can start halfway between the service line and the net with arms outstretched at shoulder height.

Player 2 is working, starting in the ready position on the baseline, but remaining active on the spot.

Player 1 must drop either of the 2 balls they have outstretched in their hands. As soon as player 2 sees this they must sprint forwards and try to get to the ball after 1 bounce.

They then throw the ball back to player 1 and shuffle their feet moving backwards in a relaxed way to get into the start position for the next feed.

Movement

Ball Sidestepping:

Both players side step along the tramlines throwing the ball (underarm)to each other until they reach the net and then return to the baseline doing the same thing. Catching the ball after one bounce is a good start.

Movement

Anticipation and reactions:

Player side steps until the coach drops a ball.

The player must catch the ball before the second bounce. Players can also start from a stationary position with heels of the ground or hopping on one leg or criss crossing the legs or with player starting with their back to coach and the coach shouting out when throwing the ball.

Movement

Be ready for anything!:

Players are working in pairs with player 1 feeding from just behind the service box and player 2 starting from the baseline area.

Player 1 can roll, drop, or throw balls in any order or direction to player 2 and player 2 must react accordingly and return the ball to player 1 in the same way it has been fed.

They must reach each and every ball before it goes outside the single tramlines, baseline or in front of the service box. Player 1 can throw the ball straight at player 2 too so they must be ready for anything!

Movement

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