thomas daniels
Semi-Pro
Today, I'm going to give you 3 drills that can help you start performing better in your tennis matches.
But.
Remember to keep working on your weak points, actually, get those together first before you start doing these drills.
One.
The 20 balls side to side drill.
You should have someone feed you 20 balls, working on forehand and backhand moving side to side.
Before the first ball, though.
Do a quick shuffle with your feet for 5 second at the baseline.
Focus on going cross at first, then down the line later.
Now.
As you get tired.
Don't allow your mechanic to break down during the drill.
Because.
That is the whole purpose of doing this drill.
Two.
Approach shot, recover to baseline.
This is a great drill.
Have someone feed you balls around the service line.
Work on perfecting your approach shot by setting up smoothly and unloading into your shots using your legs to ground force.
Then.
Recover back to or near the baseline with short, choppy steps.
The goal is to get comfortable recognizing short balls and then attacking them very quickly.
Think in with the hands and light with your feet with your contact move, high elbows, while using your non racket hand on the throat for a longer swing!
Listen.
The recovery is important too.
Because you want to develop that cat like reaction to all short balls, by staying on the balls of your feet during the drill.
Three.
Elite practice match training.
You want to approach your practice matches with a different mindset from now on.
And that is what this drill is all about.
Play the practice match like a real match and play it at an elite level.
I know.
It's not easy!
When you break it down, it's more of a mental thing.
Which is why many players don't or can't do it, and they are inconsistent with their performances in big matches.
But.
I say to YOU.
Go watch the top players play their practice matches.
Then.
Model after them!
Also.
A COACHING NOTE.
Since the reps with determine your mechanics for your strokes.
Keep adjusting after each one and never miss 3 shots in a row...
The stroke will start to take shape as you keep adjusting your swing.
And then, as my coach would say.
When the player is READY, the stroke will appear!
But.
Remember to keep working on your weak points, actually, get those together first before you start doing these drills.
One.
The 20 balls side to side drill.
You should have someone feed you 20 balls, working on forehand and backhand moving side to side.
Before the first ball, though.
Do a quick shuffle with your feet for 5 second at the baseline.
Focus on going cross at first, then down the line later.
Now.
As you get tired.
Don't allow your mechanic to break down during the drill.
Because.
That is the whole purpose of doing this drill.
Two.
Approach shot, recover to baseline.
This is a great drill.
Have someone feed you balls around the service line.
Work on perfecting your approach shot by setting up smoothly and unloading into your shots using your legs to ground force.
Then.
Recover back to or near the baseline with short, choppy steps.
The goal is to get comfortable recognizing short balls and then attacking them very quickly.
Think in with the hands and light with your feet with your contact move, high elbows, while using your non racket hand on the throat for a longer swing!
Listen.
The recovery is important too.
Because you want to develop that cat like reaction to all short balls, by staying on the balls of your feet during the drill.
Three.
Elite practice match training.
You want to approach your practice matches with a different mindset from now on.
And that is what this drill is all about.
Play the practice match like a real match and play it at an elite level.
I know.
It's not easy!
When you break it down, it's more of a mental thing.
Which is why many players don't or can't do it, and they are inconsistent with their performances in big matches.
But.
I say to YOU.
Go watch the top players play their practice matches.
Then.
Model after them!
Also.
A COACHING NOTE.
Since the reps with determine your mechanics for your strokes.
Keep adjusting after each one and never miss 3 shots in a row...
The stroke will start to take shape as you keep adjusting your swing.
And then, as my coach would say.
When the player is READY, the stroke will appear!
