Tennis: Control Point Of Contact

Coach feeds three balls per player from the basket.

Players should aim to hit the targets (as in diagram - can use cones to mark out targets).

The aim is to encourage players to progressively attack on the move.

Players can struggle with control if they have habits to make big backswings at the net. If your player is not able to hit compact volleys, try this correcting exercise. Player stands close to the fence (back almost touches the fence). Coach feeds balls so player can practice volleys. Fence prevents from taking too big backswing on the volleys.

In this exercise, the coach feeds all the balls to one side. The player's goal is to alternate shots with higher and lower trajectory over the net, firstly hitting a high shot, followed by a low shot, and this is repeated.

2 players play points against each other. Player B feeds an easy ball. Player A attacks it and the point begins. Player A has to play the point all the time inside the baseline.

Drill specifications:

2-3 points and switch

Points are short so players can play few rallies in a row before they switch. Playing inside the baseline requires great footwork skills and many shots played in low position so lunges can be performed by waiting players to improve legs’ strength and become more natural while playing shots in really low position.