Before every point, the serving player has the opportunity to plan their own actions and put pressure on the returner. Choosing a type of serve should always be combined with a plan for the next shot.
The more variations a player has in a given situation, the more unpredictable they can be for any opponent. This will keep the opponent guessing and they will never feel fully comfortable or know what he can expect from the player in the next point.
Playing a serve and volley pattern is always good to have in the locker to surprise opponents and test out their movement. Serving to the backhand and following to the net will force the opponent to hit a potential riskier return and therefore leading to an error. This pattern could be a big point play to give a quick win to the server.
in more ways than one
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.