Tennis Drill: Over-correction for Inadequate Footwork
First published on 9-09-2009. Bookmark & share
by Randy Lynn Rutledge - a previously certified USPTA Tennis Teaching Professional
( Note: retired in good standing, but stopped making USPTA dues payments )
( Note: retired in good standing, but stopped making USPTA dues payments )
This drill is designed to help the doubles player who does not do enough to cover his or her side of the tennis court.
This drill is intended for use with three players and one instructor on a tennis court.
1). Two players are positioned behind each baseline so that both ends and the middle of the baseline are adequately covered for the start of each rally. Each rally is started by dropping the tennis ball and using a bounce-and-hit feed. Players are instructed to aim each initial feed to land within six feet of either opponent. Attempting to win the rally with the first hit is not allowed. Score-keeping is NOT used.
2). The instructor teams up as a rallying partner and instructor for the tennis player who needs the most footwork help. The instructor begins by randomly cutting in front of the footwork needy student to safely take an oncoming ball away from him or her. This sets an example of how early the ball can be taken. Ask the student to try safely cutting in front of you to take "your tennis ball" as opportunities are presented.
3). Inform the student that both of you will need to communicate by calling out stay (maintain your position) orswitch (take my side) at appropriate times so that both sides of the tennis court will be covered. Continue trying to "steal" tennis balls from each other.
4). Coach your player to move forward to intercept short bouncers and slow moving balls. Encourage maximum footwork effort until each ball has bounced twice. Your students will begin to reach tennis balls they never imagined they could get to.
5). Rotate the players after the footwork of the most needy player is over-corrected from too-little court coverage to understanding how to be a "ball-hog". Of course, you must explain that the speed and number of steps necessary for proper footwork (and shoulder turn) is a tennis variable.
1). Two players are positioned behind each baseline so that both ends and the middle of the baseline are adequately covered for the start of each rally. Each rally is started by dropping the tennis ball and using a bounce-and-hit feed. Players are instructed to aim each initial feed to land within six feet of either opponent. Attempting to win the rally with the first hit is not allowed. Score-keeping is NOT used.
2). The instructor teams up as a rallying partner and instructor for the tennis player who needs the most footwork help. The instructor begins by randomly cutting in front of the footwork needy student to safely take an oncoming ball away from him or her. This sets an example of how early the ball can be taken. Ask the student to try safely cutting in front of you to take "your tennis ball" as opportunities are presented.
3). Inform the student that both of you will need to communicate by calling out stay (maintain your position) orswitch (take my side) at appropriate times so that both sides of the tennis court will be covered. Continue trying to "steal" tennis balls from each other.
4). Coach your player to move forward to intercept short bouncers and slow moving balls. Encourage maximum footwork effort until each ball has bounced twice. Your students will begin to reach tennis balls they never imagined they could get to.
5). Rotate the players after the footwork of the most needy player is over-corrected from too-little court coverage to understanding how to be a "ball-hog". Of course, you must explain that the speed and number of steps necessary for proper footwork (and shoulder turn) is a tennis variable.