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Tennis: Don't Miss The Overhead

Sportplan has been very helpful in guiding me through my first year...

Bill, Newly qualified coach

DESCRIPTION

Player stands at the net.
Coach stands on the baseline on the deuce side and they rally together.
Coach hits all the balls up and the player hits overheads back to the deuce side.

COACHING POINTS

Player works on consistency of the overhead shot.
By using rallying repetition in a given direction, the player is able to repeat quality shots without mistakes.
It is important to remember to use crossover steps while moving back and also to hit the ball at the highest possible point of contact.
Coach should set a specific number of balls in the rally to help players make proper tactical decisions according to different lobs they get.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Forehand Smash Drill:

Coach, 1 player, and basket of balls.

Player starts by running forward and touching the net.

At this point the coach feeds a high ball towards the T junction of the service box.

Player back peddles to be in a position to play a forehand smash, then runs forward, touches the net, and the drill is repeated.

Drill is continuous.

Smash Drills

Move forward and recover:

The player stands inside the service line between 2 cones, and the coach throws the high ball close to the net. The player moves forward, hits overhead and recovers to the cones.

Smash Drills

Deal with the tough one:

Player starts from the cone and the coach feeds the ball behind the player's head. The player moves back, jumps, and hits defensive overhead.

Smash Drills

Ghosts:

-Players hit one shot each and if they return it into court they return to the back of the queue, if they make a mistake they become a ghost.
-Ghosts must go to the same end as the feeder. If they catch a ball before it bounces they come back to life again (swapping with the person who hit that ball).
-The winner is the player who is last one alive!!

Coordination / Fun Games

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