Practice Tips for League teams

[Lame_Backhand]

I captained a 3.5 Men's League team this past spring. I put the team together in late March, or about 1 week prior to the League season. I got a good idea of who played well together by the end of the season, thus we finished 3-5. We have several really good and dedicated players and are looking to become a better team next spring. I also found several players that I will not invite back for next season as they failed to show up for scheduled matches.

Please elaborate on any tips for getting my team to become a better team for next season. We are planning to practice twice a week as a team throughout this winter, but I want to make sure that we are practicing smarter not just going out and playing twice a week.

Any help and or tips would be appreciated.

 

[LawnChairGeneral]

try some walk-through singles and doubles strategy. most people play league doubles, but few actually know how to move together, shot selection that won't compromise your partner, etc. even if you don't have anyone on the team who is an authority on the subject, the fact that you hold an open forum and talk about strategy as a team will get everyone on the same page.

if everyone needs to work on their strokes, see if you can hire a pro to come feed some balls, run drills, and provide pointers. that can get pricey... alternatively you can rent a ball machine and run your own drills with 4 or 5 guys at a time.

 

[Nellie]

If you find a coach to help your players with doubles strategy, your teams can really improve. I am sure that you have seen people who really know doubles, and you probably noticed that they are in good position up at the net with no openings on the court between the players and with good teamwork so that balls do not go by due to confusion. Good doubles players also know when to poach and how to switch well on the poach, as well as how and when to use other formations. I think it takes a while to really get used to doubles strategy, but you can become a much better doubles player through improved court IQ without any change to your tennis abilities.

If your team does not want to hire a coaching, practice together socially also helps, especially if you can schedule matches agaist good teams. I notice, for example, that a lot of new teams stay in the one-up, on back formation until faced with opponents who serve and volley on every point (because the net person gets tired of getting pegged). Work on poaching so that you partner never takes a stroke on the inside (side closest to the center). Also work on the that serve and volley, switches, crosscourt dipping service returns, and called poaches, and your tennis team will really improve