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Tennis: Live Ball Pressure

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Nick, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

Coach feeds easy ball to the backhand side. Player hits backhand cross court (approach shot) and moves forward. Coach hits the ball back to make player respond with backhand cross court volley. Coach hits again and player has to finish with forehand cross court volley.

COACHING POINTS

This exercise is demanding because the player has less time to react and take their proper position (coach at the net). Coach has to emphasise consistency within first 2 shots (approach shot/first volley) to have an opportunity to finish the point while being in a good position. This scenario is clearly visible among professional players who make deep volleys from the service line to get a time to come to the net and finish from the better spot.

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RELATED PLANS...

Approach and Win at the Net

Keep your opponents guessing by mixing up when you approach the net. Use this session to teach your players about the tactical opportunities available when in close at the net!

OFTEN USED WITH...

Lob Awareness:

Coach stands in front of the player. Coach throws balls behind the player. Player has to react and hit the overhead with control.

Movement

Deep and Short:

Coach feeds an easy ball to the advantage side. Player runs around and hits forehand inside out. Player runs forward to take proper position at the net. Coach feeds another ball to the deuce side. Player finishes with forehand drop volley cross court.

Movement

Ladder High Knees:

Player goes through the ladder. Player brings one knee at a time as high as possible. Quickness and proper movement are priorities for this exercise.

Agility & Fitness

Moving Zones:

Court is divided into 3 zones ("Deep" Cones to the baseline, "Medium" Cones to the service line; "Short" Service box). Coach feeds random balls. Player has to react and make proper decisions related to the zones.

If the ball is deep, player has to move back and hit higher cross court. If the ball is medium, player can make own decision and hit neutral or aggressive shot. If the ball is short, player has to move forward and hit aggressively down the line or make a drop shot.

Movement

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