About tennis Tennis is'a racquet and ball sport which can be played by two or four people — singles and doubles respectively. In both singles and doubles the aim of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into the oppo- site court to win the point.This is done either by hitting a winning shot ‘or until the opposing player or players fail to return the ball into the ‘opposite court. Doubles sideline ley Aly Tages fdeine ee g Left service Right service gz | a 3] ‘court court se = a Backcourt 3 i Backcourt 48. "ls 2] night service let sve | =| a court court zg Singes|delne ‘ley ‘ley Doubleslsidelne Figure 16.1 Tennis court line markings Rules The basic rules of tennis apply for both singles and doubles.To start a match the players spin the racquet or toss a coin to decide who has choice of serving first, receiving first, choosing the end or giving their opponent the choice (see Tactics for tips). Serving The receiver must be ready before serving, The server must serve from behind the baseline between the centre mark and the right singles side~ line (to begin the game). The server aims to serve the first ball over the net and into the receiver's service court. If the first serve does not go into the correct court or outside this boundary it is called a fault. A second serve fo lows and if this is missed it is called a double fault and the point goes to the receiver. Pe Natalia Irvine‘Sport Education Coaching Manual Ifa player throws the ball up and decides not to strike it,and catches it instead, itis not a fault. If the serve hits the top of the net before bounc- ing into the correct service court, it is called a let, ‘The serve can be repeated with no penalty. If it does not bounce into the service court it is called a fault. After the first point the server switches posi- tions to serve from between the centre mark and the left sideline aiming for the receiver's left service court. The server and receiver keep alternating sides until the end of the game. ‘After the first game, players change ends and the server now receives in the next game. Players ‘change ends again after the third, fifth and every fol- lowing odd numbered game, Receiving A return is successful if the ball: + ishit above or around the net post and into play © is hit in between the space between the net and the post © hits another ball on the court hits the ground on the proper court and rebounds over the net so the opponent cannot reach it The receiver must not deliberately distract their opponent while serving Point play During a point: © a player may stand anywhere in or out of the court except for the server — the player must be on their side of the net @ the ball may be hit before it bounces (volley) or after one bounce — on the serve, the ball must be allowed to bounce before hieting it ‘© the ball is still in play if it happens to touch the net or post as long as it goes into the correct court ‘© the ball is called ‘good’ when it lands anywhere ‘ona boundary line of the court ¢ fa stray ball rolls onto the court during the point, a let can be played (the point is played again). A point is won when a player hits the ball over the net into the court on the other side and the ‘opponent does not return it. A point is lost when a player hits the ball either into the net or outside the singles or doubles court (whichever is being played) unless their opponent volleys an outgoing ball. A point is also lost if any part of a player's attire is hit by the ball; if the racquet touches the net or post after hitting the ball if the ball is hit deliberately ‘more than once; or ifa player throws a racquet and hits the ball, Players are responsible for making loud and hon- est line calls on their side of the court Scoring The first point won by a serving player is 15 — the player with no points has love. If the next point is won by the same player, the score is 30-love. I that player then wins the third point the score is 40-love and if they win the fourth point it is game. IF any of the points are won by the opposing player, the scoring may be |5-love, 15-15 (called |5- all), 15-30, 30-30 (30-all), 30-40 and finally game (if the opponent wins the next point). IF each of the players wins 3 points alternately then the score would be 40-40, which is called deuce. If the server wins the next point then the score is either considered ‘server's advantage’ or ‘ad-in’. If the receiver wins the next point after deuce, the score is ‘receiver's advantage’ or'‘ad-out’, The score keeps returning to deuce until one play- er wins 2 consecutive points. Then itis game. Players must call out the score after every point. The serv- er's score is said first. A set is 6 games, a player must be at least 2 games ahead to win the set. In a ‘best of 3 set match’, if a player wins 2 sets in a row then that player has won the match. f one player each wins a set then a third set is played to determine the win- ner. f each set gots to 6-6 then a tie-break is played unless stated otherwise (for example, if the play is ‘first to 6 games’). At the end of each game, the score of the set must also be called out. Tie break A tie-break is a short ‘points set’ to determine the set. The player (or doubles players) who first win 7 points win the game and the set provided they lead by 2 points. The player whose turn it is to serve, serves first in the tie break.They serve | point from the right court. The serve then goes to the other player who serves 2 points in a row beginning from the left court. Each player alternately serves 2 points, each beginning from the left court until one player reach- es 7 points andlor is leading by 2 points. The players change ends every 6 points. The player who serves first in the tie break will receive first at the start of the first game of the next set.5 so ‘al ad 5 4 | Chan i LYE 4] Se a w o 0 Sar] | 8] [9 | [toe] ent] | ga} chan All| | | Fs 4) Gante a 5 a Figure 16.2 Tie break sequence Skills Groundstrokes Groundstrokes are strokes played after the ball has bounced. The forehand ‘© Grip: shake hands with the racquet (eastern forehand, see Figure 16.3). ‘ Ready position: feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, racquet held in front and supported by the ‘other hand at the throat of the racquet. ‘@ Turn and cake the racquet back pivotiturn shoul- ders and hips side on to net; racquet points to back fence at waist height (see Figure 16.4). ‘@ Step and swing: racquet head lowers at the back and swings forward to meet the ball waist high; left leg steps forward and across body, wrist firm; racquet path is low to high’. © Hit body weight transfers forward, ball is hit line with left foot:'watch the ball’ onto the strings; ‘hic through 3 balls’ (lay 3 balls on the ground ina line and shadow a swing through the 3 balls) ‘@ Follow through: racquet head finishes head height in the direction of the hit; catch the racquet with the other hand at the end (for beginners). Figure 16.3 Forehand grip Tennis Figure 16.4. The forehand groundstroke sequence Backhand cues 4 Grip (eastern backhand, see Figure 16.5): hold the grip with forefinger down the centre, then wrap the forefinger around the grip; the knuckle of the first finger is at the top of the grip (for double handers the bottom hand is the back- hand grip and the top hand is the forehand grip) (see Figure 16.5). + Reaéy position: same as forehand. @ Turn and take the racquet back: pivot on feet, turn shoulders side on to net; racquet head is supported by non-playing hand, positioned waist to shoulder height at the back; weight on left leg looking over the leading shoulder (see Figure 16.6). ‘# Step and swing: body weight moves forward; rac- quet head moves from ‘low to high’; right leg steps forward, tall is met out in front of the lead- ing leg, Hit‘watch the ball’ onto the strings; arm extend- ed at contact + Follow through: racquet head finishes above the head; weight on the right leg. \ i Figure 16.5 The backhand gripSpon action Coaching Wanvat Figure 16.6a One handed backhand groundstroke sequence Figure 16.6b Two handed backhand groundstroke sequence The volley The volley is the stroke played before the ball bounces. Forehand © Grip: continental — halfway between the fore- hand and backhand grip (see Figure 16.7). Ready position: knees bent, feet shoulder width apart, weight on balls of feet; racquet head at shoulder height. ‘# Turn: slight shoulder turn;’see through the back’ of the strings (see Figure 16.8). '@ Step and punch: left leg steps forward, body ‘weight on front foot; wrist firm ‘punch’; go to meet the ball. eet ct ee Figure 16.7. The continantal grip PP Figure 16.8 The forehand volley sequence Backhand © Grip: continental (see Figure 16.7). Ready position: same as forehand. # Turnislight shoulder turn; non-playing arm stead- ies racquet; racquet head at shoulder height;'see through the back’ of the strings (see Figure 16.9). '® Step and punch: right leg steps forward, body weight on front foot; wrist firm ‘punch’; go to meet the ball. Figure 16.9 The backhand volley sequence The serve ‘One of the most important strokes as it begins a game, The statement: ‘if you can win your service games, you only need to break your opponent's serve once each set to win the match’ holds true. © Grip: continental — halfway between the fore- hand and the backhand grip (see Figure 16.7). Ready position:‘line up’, body side on to net;rac- quet points to target, feet are shoulder width apart (see Figure 16.10). Swing: both arms down together, up together: racquet swings back to the fence and the ball toss arm begins upward motion. Ball toss:‘scratch the back’ position; elbow bent slightly below shoulder height; ball toss arm extended as the ball is released at eye level‘eyes Up, reach up and hit’ + Follow through: racquet swings through on left side of body; body weight is transferred onto right leg.PES Figure 16.10 The serve sequence Smashes Smashes are played from the net position and the ball is hit usually on the full. The action of the smash is the same as the service action except that there is no throw up.The opponent puts the ball in the air with their stroke (a lob).The smash can be done to a ball that bounces high above the player's head or to a ball which has not yet bounced, but which is travelling high above a player's head. © Grip: continental (see Figure 16.7). + Ready position: side on to net (legs, hips and shoulders), racquet behind head with elbow at ‘or slightly below shoulder level. ‘ Preparation: with racquet behind head, side on side skip back to a position behind the approach- ing ball; body weight is on the back leg. ‘© Swing: transfer weight from back to front leg: extend the arm up to the ball and hit; swing out in the direction of target (see Figure 16.11). ‘Follow through: as in service action — down left side. Figure 16.11 The overhead smash sequence The lob The lob is a shot that plays the ball high enough into the air to put it out of reach of a player who is standing at the net. This can be done using the fore- hand or backhand, by opening the face of the rac- ‘quet and hitting slightly underneath the ball. The swing should be from ‘low to high’, resulting in a high follow through of the racquet. The approach shot The approach shot is a shot that is hit from a mid court position and is used to approach the net. Approach shots can either be hit asa slice (stays low, litele effort) or topspin with pace. In general, an ‘approach shot is usually more effective if hit down the line so the player coming in can cover the line and the ‘cross court pass (this is dependant on where the ‘opponent is positioned). This shot should be placed into court to set up the next shot to be played at net ‘or to force an error: Players should be encouraged to attack the net when given an opportunity. The drop shot The drop shot is a shot played from an in court position to catch an opponent by surprise It is played to put the opponent off balance and especially f they are caught out of court and if they are slow movers. In preparation for the drop shot the racquet is taken back like a slice (high behind) and the ball is cut down ‘on and at the same time ‘cradled’ to take the pace off and add underspin, Tactics Serve Players should try to get a high percentage of first serves into court. They should have a target and should try to serve to their opponent's weaker side most times. Groundstrokes Players generally set up the point by hitting the ball deep. When in position, they aim to hit angled shots to open up the court or mix up play then look for the attacking play. In general, players play the ball cross court until there is an opening to go down the line. This is because: ‘itis the longest part of the court, therefore giv- ing players more time to recoverSpon Eavcalon Coaching Mano ‘it is the lowest part of the net, therefore provide ing a lower margin for error. Players should always move back quickly into a central court position so they will be ready for the next ball and be in a better position for the next hit. Players should not get caught out halfway between the baseline and service line, Volley/smash Players should generally aim volleys and smashes to the open court. On a deep smash players try to get the ball back deep into court. On a short smash play- ers try to hit with more angle or to the open court Approach shots Players place the ball into court to set up the play {not necessarily a winning shot). General tactics Singles Singles players should: + play their own game + play to their opponent's weaknesses @ hit consistently — trying not to give their ‘opponent ‘free or easy’ points ‘© hit to where their opponent isn't © try to win the points, not wait for their ‘opponent to lase the points. Doubles Doubies players should: © try to get to the net 2s a team ‘@ get their own smashes ‘© keep returns generally cross court but mix it up with a down the line drive occasionally and/or a ob over the net player's head © protect their sideline ‘© havea high percentage of first serves and mix up placement of first and second serves © put volleys away ‘© try to find opponents’ weaknesses (for example, tow volley, smash etc) © ty to intercept at the net ‘@ when two players are at net the best place to hit the ball is angled low and/or down the middle {area of indecision).TRAINING SESSIONS Player (attacker) Defender ovement of ball Novement ofa player Marker conelitch's hat Target line/court/ield markings GoalEIEN spor Education coaching Menuet Training session > Focus Forehand and/or backhand technique @ Groundstroke consistency and placement. Serve technique * Scoring Equipment I racquet per player + 2 (or more) balls per player Targets — marker cones or ball cans Warm up Tennis court laps General warm up: incorporate court movement patterns: + jogging length of court, sidesteppir baseline ‘ touching the lines (bend from the knees) + Indian file (last moves to front/zig-zag between players in line) walk, jog, sprint (use ‘claps’ or whistle) + follow the leader (vary movement patterns). across the Change direction. Coach commands with voice — LEFT, RIGHT, FORWARD, BACKWARDS — or points with racquet movement patterns. Emphasise: short footsteps, balance, racquet ‘ready position’ Static stretches Rear shoulder stretch Front shoulder stretch Seated hamstring stretch Quad stretch Calf stretch Groin stretch Ball skills © In pairs one player throws to land the ball in front of their partner and the other has to try to reach from behind the legs and catch the bal. The ball is thrown up in the alr so it drops behind the player-The player has to attempt to catch the ball behind their back before it bounces. Pes © The ball is thrown from behind the back to land in front of the player who must try to catch the ball before it bounces. ‘Skill drills Alley rally Players are paired off opposite each other at either end of the court (four to six per court). One of the pair bounce-its to their partner who returns the ball back down the line with 2 forehand or backhand (see Figure 16.12). Count the consecutive hits/rallies. Try to improve rally score. Add targets for depth. As a variation play three versus three. The serve can begin from any player on one team. Players hit the ball in ‘urn when the ball fands in their‘alley’.The team can attack the net or stay at the baseline. Aim to hit the targets, Score as in tennis with one team beginning the point or play points first to I. —s T => re 16.12, Service technique ‘Coach demonstrates the grip, stance, action and then, working in pairs, each partner serves in turn ‘opposite each other at each end of the court. Serving ogainst yourself Players are in pairs opposite each other, at both ends of the court. Introduce the scoring of tennis 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage, game, set. In turn, the players serve | ball at a time and score a point if they get the serve into the court (define the ‘area) and lose a point if they miss. They change sides of the court according to the point score. If courts are limited, play cross court only and rotate players.‘Around the world (minor game) Divide the players into two teams. Line them up in single file behind both baselines on | court. One play- er at one end of the court hits a selffed ball to the other player opposite them at the other end of the court. They then move on in an anti-clockwise direc- tion past the net post to join the end of the opposite line (see Figure 16.13).The rally continues with the next player in line hitting the ball and moving on in the same way down each end. Players are out when 3 errors are made. If there is only one person down each end that player must turn a full circle after hit- ting the ball.As a variation the lines of players remain asa team and players only rotate in that team and do not move around to the other end of the court. Players have to sprint or zig-zag through a certain set up before they get to the end of the line. ‘Tennis Fitness drill Suicide ball pick up Divide the team into even numbers. Line the tearm members in single fle on one doubles sideline fac~ ing the other. Place tennis balls on each of the court lines, One player at a time collects the balls and places the balls on a tennis racquet at the start of the team line. The next player puts the balls out. Continue until all the players have 2 turns each a® na a a® nea Try aa 8 a x. Figure 16.14 at : et 5 Cool down Be Figure 16.13 + All static stretches as per warm up Training session 2 > Focus @ Groundstroke consistency and placement © Service placement Equipment I racquet per player 2 (or more) balls per player ‘© Targets — marker cones or ball cans Warm up Tennis court laps General warm up: incorporate court movement patterns: + jogging length of court, sidestepping across the baseline touching the lines (bend from the knees) + Indian file (last moves to frontlzig-zag between players in line) 4 walk, jog, sprint (use ‘claps’ or whistle) + follow the leader (vary movement patterns). Static stretches Rear shoulder stretch Front shoulder stretch Seated hamstring stretch Quad stretch Calf stretch Double leg hip roll Gluteal stretch teerereSpor Eavcalon Coochng hanvat J Racquet exchange relay In pairs, one player with a racquet. Pairs stand 10 to 15 metres apart. On GO pairs must sprint forward toward each other and pass the racquet by the grip from one to the other: Have the group pass 10 to 15 times — after each exchange, players must go back to home base (where they began). Balance racquet activity In pairs with 2 racquets. Pairs place themselves 2 to 3 metres apart and balance racquets on the tip of the frame. They then, in unison, run to ‘catch’ thelr partner's racquet at the grip before the racquet overbalances. Start in close and increase the dis- tance between the players, as they both succeed. I ball warm up Players warm up their groundstrokes with either four or six players on court (if six, use alley ways). Each pair is opposite each other in court and have ‘only | ball co warm up with. I the ball is hit into the net, the player must sprint to pick it up and backpeddle to the baseline. Begin the rally again. Emphasise height over the net and no wasting time walking to pick up the ball Skill drills Gross court and/or downline rallying In pairs opposite each other, keep the ball in the half- court area with depth or angle (cross court) (see Figure 16.15). Set out some targets and/or count consecutive hits in a designated area. Emphasise recovery back to the centre mark Players cannot hit a backhand from within the forehand court. Play points first to I. Play in the half court, ‘or doubles area. Players lose points if they hit a back- hand in their forehand area (if hitting cross court) Figure 16.15 First to 31 points Players play in the singles court. One player begins with an underarm serve down the middle of the court and a rally begins. Each player counts their own successive hits until the point is finished. When the point ends whoever wins the point keeps their score and the other player begins at zero for the next rally. Play until one player reaches 31 Serving to targets ‘Two teams of players line up at the appropriate dis- tance from the service line to the baseline (see Figure 16.16). Each player in turn serves 2 balls to the tar- gets placed in the service box corners.The ball has to hit the target on the full to gain a full point. After 2 serves, the 2 balls are picked up and the player goes to the end of the other line. Either first player to 5 points or at the end of a set time limit, the team that has the most number of hits as a group wins. Make the target large enough for some success. a a a 7 b = 4 2 é| a a 8 Figure 16.16 Fitness 8 ball pickup The 8 balls are placed as shown in Figure 16.17. At each end of the court a team of players wait in line ‘One at a time, a player collects each ball, | at a time and places it on the racquet at the centre mark. The next player puts the balls out | at a time. Each team runs through twice. 4 # if é a é Figure 16.17 Cool down All static stretches as per warm upFocus Footwork in groundstrokes @ Placement of groundstrokes Service return technique ~ Training sessio ee 321 ¥ Gean Equipment | racquet per player ‘#2 (or more) balls per player ‘Warm up Touching back of knees Pairs stand opposite each other with knees bent and arms by side. In a short period of time they each try to touch behind their partner’s knees in a defined area of movement. Line tag In groups of four or five players with one player as is IT.The other players form a line, one behind the other holding each other at the hips. IT has to tag the person at the back of the line. The winning team is the one with the most touches in | minute. Static stretches Rear shoulder stretch Front shoulder stretch Seated hamstring stretch Quad stretch Calf stretch Groin stretch ooeeee Skill drills Alternating hitting With up to eight players on court, four players are placed each end behind the baseline and centre mark, In the full singles court (or half court if advanced), players hit the ball with their forehand or backhand and move to the end of their line. The next player steps in and hits the next ball. The point is played as a team.As a variation, play out one full point against a player in the full singles court and then rotate. Count the score as an individual or as a team, Play to a time limit, Figure 16.18 Depth game In the half court or full court, singles or doubles,the players rally to each other: A point is lost if the ball lands in the service box area. Emphasise hitting with ‘height’ over the net.As a variation, if the ball lands in the service box area, the player receiving must attack (move to) the net. Play out the point. Points, can be played to 9, 11, 15 etc or in a defined time limit. i hres to ain for — depth Figure 16.19 Serve return cross court points In 5 minutes, players work as pairs to try to gain as many points as possible serving and returning. Points are gained if the serve goes in and to the forehand or backhand side of the partner (this is optional depending in the level of the players). A point is also gained ifthe returner makes the return back into the designated area (that is, to the server in their half court). Alternatively, the pairs play out games with one person serving and one person receiving per game. Play best out of 3 games and ‘change sides with the other players on the court.Toor Raven Contig Fanaa 7 Training session H Loe Servers a Receivers a Figure 16.20 Focus Volley technique © Footwork at net Equipment © | racquet per player #2 buckets of balls @ Targets — marker cones or ball cans Warm up Figure 8 ‘quickstep’ Balls are placed | metre apart anywhere on court. Prayers place themselves in the middle of the balls and must move as quickly around the outside of the balls and back through the middle as fast as possible for 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest. Place the play- ers opposite each other to compete in mirror fash- ion. Emphasise moving around the balls (not over them). Change direction. Static stretches Rear shoulder stretch Front shoulder stretch Seated hamstring stretch Calf stretch Double leg hip roll Cat stretch eoeoee Side to side volleys In pairs (feeder and receiver), | ball between two players, | metre apart. The feeder feeds the bali Fitness Ready, go, sprint One player stands 4 metres from the baseline and ‘on GO drops the ball and their partner has to sprint to catch the ball on the first bounce. Try to simulate the point by making the player run toward the net. (Other players pair up and do the same making sure the timing of GO is appropriate. Cool down Al static stretches as per warm up underarm about a metre to the sides of the partner who catches the ball with the playing hand (that is, the one that holds the racquet). The feeder throws the ball (short/low balls, high/loopy ball) for 30 sec- fonds to | minute, making their partner move. Emphasise the correct foot forward on catch as in volleys (that is, right hander — left leg for forehand, right leg for backhand). Side to side fow balls In pairs with 2 balls. Feeder feeds the ball (I at a time) along the ground. The partner taps the ball back — movement is side to side. This drill is a ‘leg cruncher’. Do this for 30 seconds. Skill drills Toss and volley In pairs, one is the tosser and one is the volleyer. ‘Toss the ball underarm to the volleyer who volleys back to the tosser so they can catch the ball. Explain the difference between low, medium and high vol- leys. The volleyer calls out the following words when receiving the ball: © UP when the ball is dipping below the net level — hit the ball up with a slightly open racquet face © OUT when the ball is coming to chest level — hit the ball forward and out to the tosser DOWN when the ball is higher than shoulder level — hit down on the ball into the court. Practise shuttle volleys across the net. Count how many successful continuous volleys in 2 minutes.Volleying a drop-hit bal! |, The volleyer receives a tossed ball from the tosser (now at the baseline) and aims to volley the ball to the tosser or at a designated target. Practise 5 vol- leys each side and then rotate retriever into tossing and tossing into the volleying position. Set up a tar- get to hit in the back court area (see Figure 16.21). ‘Compete within the group or within the court to see who can hit the target first. The volleyer sets up an arm and racquet’s length and a step away from the net. Feeder a 4p" Wl Feeder oo 3 Vole Figure 16.21 Community Divide the players into two teams and place them spread out down the ends of the court. It is suggested that three players go up at the net, three at the base- line and fill in the spaces (see Figure 16:22).A tall is fed underarm from one end (from the baseline) into any- where in the opposite court. The ‘serve’ may not be volleyed. After this the point is played between the teams. Play O UT or ‘dead, buried, skele- ton (chat slives’ lost and the player sits out).As a vari- ation players come off immediately and they get tagged back in when someone else makes an error. Spread the players out for safety reasons. Players at the net must ty to step across and intercept the ball at net. Focus # Lob technique @ Smash technique Equipment | racquet per player I bucket of balls : raining sess! a) 5 B Ly 4 s| 8 t eee) ere EEE Figure 16.22 Fitness 5 ball fan Similar to 8 ball pickup. Emphasise the movements of tennis, forward and sidestepping. Either turn and run back or use backstep. Place racquet at the cen- tre mark so balls can be put on it (see Figure 16.23). Without balls this line run can be timed and players try to improve their times. IZ IN Figure 16.23 Cool down © All static stretches as per warm up Warm up Touching back of knees Pairs stand opposite each other with knees bent and arms by sides, hands resting on knees. na short period of time they each try to touch behind their partner's knees in a defined area of movement. Count touches and winners change partners.EEX seen eavcaien coacning nancot Static stretches Rear shoulder stretch Front shoulder stretch Seated hamstring stretch Quad stretch Calf stretch Double leg hip roll oeoreee Switch position warm-up Players are opposite each other on court, one at the net and one at the baseline. They begin a warm up rally. If the baseliner hits the ball into their net side, the net player must run backwards to the baseline and the player who hit the ball into the net stays at the net after retrieving the ball. Emphasise quick switches of positions. ‘Skill drills Drop-hit lobs ‘Two players are at each baseline and one player is ‘on one side of the net. The players at the baseline drop-hit the ball as a lob over the middle player's head. Return the ball with a drop-hit lob. Rotate after 5 to 10 lobs each. The middle player attempts to play a smash or tries to reach up to hit the ball without moving past the service line. For the lob, the ball is hit with a ‘steep’ ‘low to high’ swing. Labber a” fee g—> | - Lobber Figure 16.24 On court smashes Players are positioned as shown in Figure 16.25, one at the net, one player as a retriever and one at the baseline. The baseliner feeds a ball as a lob to the net player who practises 10 successful smashes.The player feeding the lobs changes with the smasher and the smasher with the retriever. Add in short and deep smashes to extend the advanced players. Players must run into the net and touch the net with their racquet before sideskipping (or crossover step) back to retrieve the smash. Retriever = Feeder | gate 5 raster Retriever Figure 16.25 Net royalty ‘A player (smasher) is positioned a racquet’s length and a step from the net.All the other players are in a line from the backhand court singles sideline (lob- bers) (see Figure 16.26).A feeder is positioned at the net player’s end on the right side of the court, One at a time, the feeder feeds the ball wide across the court and one lobber must try'to hit the ball at reach with a lob over the net player's head. The point is played out.The lobber runs around and col- lacts a ball and goes to the end of the line. If any of the lobbers win 2 to 3 points in a row (depending ‘on numbers) they rotate with the net player. This drill can be made easier by not making the lobbers move much to get to the ball or it can be made more difficult by increasing the speed and direction of the ball away from the defenders. Defensive lobs may only be hit by the defenders. eee Feeder Lobbers > anf? ‘masher Figure 16.26 Fitness drill Boundary runs Players are divided into four teams and each team is placed in | corner of the enclosed tennis court complex. This corner is their home base. Each play- er in turn on the signal GO must run past all the ‘other teams’ home bases without cutting corners back to their home base to tag the next runner (see Figure 16.27). Continue untit all players have run ‘twice through.eee 4 .5558 a a asses ———————> ‘asa Figure 16.27 Focus + Approach shots to the net Identifying when to come into the net Equipment | racquet per player @ | bucket of balls Warm up Tennis court laps Court laps routine as for training session 1. Static stretches Seated hamstring stretch Calf stretch Groin stretch Hip stretch @ Full stretch eoee | ball warm up One ball warm up as for training session 2. Skill drills Approach shot practice In pairs, one is the feeder and one is the approacher in the half court area opposite one another: The feed- er feeds a ball near the service line ‘of the opposite ‘court to their partner who approaches the net and then plays one volley (from the feeder). Training session Tennis Cool down ‘@ All static strecches as per warm up Approach half court attack Play four on courta pair to a half court. One of the pair feeds a short ball on or before the service line and their partner attacks the net using an approach shot (slice or topspin). Play out the point. Feeder =" | : “f—ferter fede FP “$e trader Figure 16.28 Doubles attack Play four on court, all players at the baseline. Play ‘out a rally with one of the pairs feeding the first ball anywhere into court (preferably cooperatively). ‘When the ball lands in the service box or before designated line, the pair must approach the net together and attack, Defenders use lobs as well. Play points, first to 1. Laser beam ‘This is an approach shot/passing shot drill With up to five players on court, one is a feeder: They call out 1! or 2. The ball is fed to A (short ball), and A approaches to the court number called out by the feeder (see Figure 16.29). The point is played out between A and B, with A at the net and B trying to use passing shots which includes the lob, angle pass cross court or downlineSpo avcain Costing anv bat Feeder Figure 16.29 Fitness drill Ray's lines Players follow a short sprint pattern and try to achieve a score under 60 seconds (see Figure 16.30). Players can either run forwards or back- wards after touching forward lines. Keep method consistent. le IN 4 Figure 16.30 Cool down # All static stretches as per warm up Training sessio te Focus @ Service @ Returns # Singles tactics with emphasis on serve Equipment © | racquet per player @ 2 (or more) balls per player ‘© Skipping ropes ‘Warm up Copriati drill Work in pairs. Each pair has 2 tennis balls (1 each). Standing opposite each other (1.5 metres apart) each player feeds a ball to their partner side to side making their partner move from a split step posi- tion between catches to catch the ball. Do this for 30 seconds. Next, tap the ball from side to side along the ground. Figure 16.31 Static stretches # Seated hamstring stretch 4 Quad stretch Calf stretch Groin stretch © Full stretch Skill drills Servelreturn shootout Place two players (servers) at one end and two players (returners) at the other end of the court (as shown in Figure 16.32). The server serves a ball to the returner cross court. If the serve goes in the server receives | point. If the return goes in the returner receives | point. If either miss, no points.Tennis Baad Do not play out the point. Rotate after either reach- @ 10 to 15 poines.This is practice for a high service percentage and returns back cross court. Variations include adding targets and bonus points for them. (Or players serve 10 serves each. Work out the per- centage of serves in (6 out of 10 serves = 60 %). If they are second serves then the player has double fauited 40 per cent of the points. Around 70 per cent is a reasonable average for a first serve per- centage. Serer ~~. ocd ae @ Receiver Server Bal] fence Receiver Figure 16.32 No serve singles Two pairs are up each end of the court.The point is played between one of each pair. One player goes off down one end and the other comes on and plays the point out with the remaining player. From here each player plays 2 points on and 2 points off. Count points as a team. Figure 16.33 Server to 7, receiver to 5 ‘One player (server) serves out points with their part ner (receiver) as in normal tennis. f the server reach- 5 7 points before the receiver reaches 5 points then the server is the winner. If the recelver reaches § points before the server reaches 7 then the receiver is the winner. There is a quick changeover with the ‘other players waiting Winner stays on and receives As a variation the server begins at love-I5 and serves from the backhand court and tries to win the game from this point. This adds pressure on the server. Fitness drill 4 comer ‘aerobic’ circuit Set up a small circuit around the court with 4 dif- ferent activities. # Alley bounds: players bound from one leg to the other between the single and doubles sidelines —walk back. Skipping. © Sidestep shuteles players sidestep back and forth, Ball taps: each player has a ball and stands facing the net. They tap it forward along the ground and ‘must run to get both feet in front and to the side of the ball to stop it with their hand — contin tue with a few more taps. Aer —s —s5 Seite eh eer sie saa aap ey bounds Skipping Figure 16.34 Cool down © All static stretches as per warm upEEE] spor education Coaching Manvat Focus + Doubles play/teamwork drills + Putaway volleys + Roles of players on court Equipment I racquet per player # 2 (or more) balls per player Warm up 4 ball sie to side Four balls are lined up along baseline from each of the doubles alleys (see Figure 16.35). The players line up one behind the other in the middle of the baseline. Number balls or cones | to 4. For 30 sec- nds, the coach calls a number and the players muse move with a sidestepping action lining up with the cone or ball nominated, mirroring the front person. For variation, get the players to shadow a ground- stroke. eeeet Figure 16.35 Static stretches Rear shoulder stretch Front shoulder stretch Seated hamstring stretch Calf stretch Gluteal stretch + + + + + ~ Training session 8 Skill drills ‘Attackers and defenders Place three players across the service line (defenders) and two players opposite them on the other side of the court (attackers) (see Figure 16,36). Players play out the rally using reflex volleys. Defenders must stay con the service line — attackers can move in, Variations include playing 2-on-2 with one rotating in after each point or playing first to 3 points and then rotating, Each player counts their own score. Defenders feed the first ball cooperatively Figure 16.36 2-up-2 back doubles Set up as in doubles with two players at the net and ‘two at the baseline. The net players feed che ball from the service line and move into the net. Play out the point as in doubles. Encourage good com- munication, especially atthe net down the middle of the court — players call MINE. Doubles glory Six players on court. Set up four on the court with two at the net and two at the baseline, two rotating (see Figure 16.37). The baseliners feed the ball over the net and low to the net players who aim to return the ball deep into the court with a volley.The point is played out. Both pairs must try to win the point and the baseliners can take the attack off the net players using the lob or offensive play. If the baseliners win 2 points in a row they change position with the net players. f they only win | and lose | they rotate with the waiting players. If they lose the first point they go off the court immediately and rotate with the waiting players. Encourage communication between the pairs.Le Figure 16.37 Doubles play Play a short round robin event. If there are more than four players per court, use the set up shown in Figure 16.38. One or two players stand on the sidelines at the net post(s). After each service game there is a rotation as directed by the arrows. Each player has 2 games on the court playing and then | game off They will play different players and at various times will either be the server, server's partner, receiver or recelver’s partner. The player standing off will score or collect the balls for the other players. Follow these roles of players on court: © server: first serve percentage server's partner: look for the intercept at the net with the volley receiver: on their toes, short backswing and ‘meet the ball early receiver's partner: look for the intercept at net with the volley, Focus @ Importance of a good second serve © Return of service Equipment © | racquet per player © 2 buckets of balls 4 Targets — marker cones or ball cans Warm up Court laps Assign a player to design 4 different movements around the playing area. Other players follow for 2 set period, say 5 minutes. aining sessio Receiver Server's Figure 16.38 Fitness drill ‘Movement relays Divide the group into two teams and place in relay formation across 1,2 or 3 courts. Decide on move- ‘ment pattern: sidestep, forward running, backwards, crossover step. hopping, skipping. Conduct relays for 10 minutes. Cool down @ All static stretches as per warm up Static stretches Rear shoulder stretch Front shoulder stretch ‘Seated hamstring stretch Calf stretch Groin stretch Gluteal stretch roooee ‘Skill drills First and second serves Introduce the difference between first and second serve (first serve — pace, used to set up weaker return, used as 2 weapon; second serve — higher percentage (less pace), variety in spin, good place- ment). Practise in pairs, from a bucket of balls or use 2 tennis balls and return with 2 serves.Spon Eavcalon Soochng renwal Service placement Have the players practise specific serves andior placement of thelr serves (for example, to practise their wide slice serve). Suggestions: ‘ second serve down the middle on the forehand court © first serves wide to the forehand and to the backhand side of the backhand court. Divide the service box into 2 sections with a can or racquet cover (see Figure 16.39). One section is, worth 3 points and the other is | point. Second serves only, 10 serves. Best score is 30. lector Servet : é Vat sy Coecor a Hi a se : Figure 16.39 Focus © Developing a weapon Equipment | racquet per player © 2buckets of balls ‘Warm up 3 ball warm up Players line up with two to four people at each end of the court at the centre mark. On GO the first person takes | ball and places it anywhere on the baseline. They return to the centre and take anoth- er ball out and place it anywhere on the service line. The last ball should be placed anywhere on the net line. The next person in tine picks them up one at a time. Repeat this 5 times with an increase in pace as the players get warmed up. Training session 1 I serve only points cross court Each pair plays opposite each other and plays cross court using | serve only. They lose a point if a fault Js served, Each player has 4 serves. Change sides with the other pair on the other side after a time limit. Use the doubles alley in the point. Ply in the singles court with scoring as in tennis or 5 serves each, first to 21 points. Fitness di 5 ball spray ‘One player stands in the middle of the half court. ‘One player is a scrambler. On GO toss the balls one at a time out of a bucketoff a racquet. Scrambler uns to collect the ball and places back in the buck- et/on the racquet.As soon as the ball is replaced the next ball is tossed. Do this 2 to 3 times each. Note: the ball must not be tossed out of the defined area (usually half court size). Cool down All static stretches as per warm up Figure 16.40 Static stretches Seated hamstring stretch Quad stretch Calf stretch Groin stretch Fall stretch sees Skill drills Forehand only drills ‘Two players at the net, one at the baseline, one play- er rotating, one collector. Either the coach feeds orthe rotating player feeds. Each player at the baseline moves to hit only forehands by moving around the ball to avoid hitting a backhand. Aim to hit the ball on the rise and emphasise good footwork. Rotate every 5 minutes or designate a set number of errors the player can make before rotating. Alternatively net players feed. te i eh aft 8 lee cee otecor Figure 16.41 Attacker and defender Players are set up as shown in Figure 16.42.The sin- sles player is at one end and they play the other play- ers, one at a time. The singles player is the attacker and must try to play an aggressive game to 9 points before the defender gets to 7 points. The defender ‘must just get the ball back into the court and move the attacker around but must not hit winning shots. The attacker looks for the right ball to attack on. Figure 16.42 Fitness Ray's lines Conduct the drill as per training session 6 for 60 seconds. Cool down © All static stretches as per warm up