Coaching Tips - April 2007
Play Practice Sets
Competitive players need to find the right balance between match play and coaching. Too much coaching and drilling can become boring and repetitive. Too much matches and the player will not develop their skills and may compete just to survive in a match. Practice sets are a great way to balance a complete training program.
Practice sets recreate the fun and excitment of competing: but coaches can specify an aspect of a players game to work at (see examples below), and therefore avoid a "general" hitting session. Scoring should be 1st to 11 or 21 and play best of 3 or 5 sets.
Consider using the following variations to concentrate on specific aspects of a players game.
Underarm serves only.
Start the point with an underarm serve - players focus on building the rally and developing consistency and baseline skills.
1 Serve only
Players are allowed only 1 serve - this will build 2nd serve skills and also emphasise attacking return of serve tactics.
2 points for a winning volley
By earning double points for a winning volley, players will be encouraged to move forwards and develop their approach shots and net game.
2 points for hitting a winner with your favourite shot
Players discuss and identify their favourite shot and then play a set earning double points for a winner with this shot. This will encourage aggressiveness and confidence.
2 points for a drop shot or sharp angle
Develop creativity and flair by awarding double points for these specialty shots.
Players can develop their own "rules" or "double point plays", the variations are virtually unlimited. These practice sets add flavour to training and encourages high competitive spirit amongst players. It also gives different players the opportunity to succeed in different circumstances. Just as importantly the players don't need a coach to supervise them in practice sets and they can develop their game independently.
This months coaching tip is bought to you by Global Sports Coaching.
For the largest collection of tennis drills, tennis articles, tips, coaching advice, fitness drills and exercises, lesson plans, resources, global coaches tennis chat forum and much more visit Global Sports Coaching!
Coaching Tips Archive
January 2007 Tip - Play the right shot at the right time.
February 2007 Tip - Getting the Advantage in Windy Conditions
March 2007 Tip - Take the ball at the top of its bounce
April 2007 Tip - Play Practice Sets
June 2007 Tip -
July 2007 Tip - Player Development
