Posted on Dec 16, 2007 under Playing Tips |
Players need to learn to be less rigid about where they stand in order to change angles, thus perhaps providing an advantage.
If #1 stands close to the middle to serve, the lines show the potential angles the serve can travel. If a players does not like to reach for the ball, it is obvious why a down-the-middle serve is effective.
If #1 stands closer to the sideline, notice the possible serves. These will “jam” the opponent. By moving, you open up the court.
For righthanders, the move is more often on the “add” side giving the player greater angles to the backhand and the righthander’s natural spin will curve to the middle. Note how the center serve curves. These serves must be practiced to gain confidence and control.
Posted on Dec 16, 2007 under Playing Tips |
You should always know where your partner will be and what areas should cover. #1 and #2 have taken the net and forced #3 and #4 to lob.
The Instructor (I) feeds the ball to #1’s backhand who tries to hit the Sports Target which is placed near the middle of the court at the baseline.
The Instructor (I) now feeds #1 the forehand and can either hit a running one or a run-around one. The first option is the running one where #1 must cover the court and can really hit out on the shot.
The second option is the run-around forehand where #1 back-pedals in order to hit a forehand instead of a backhand and again drills the shot at the Sports Target. It is crucial to emphasis that #1 is not try to hit the sideline with this shot, but rather to hit well enough inside the line that he can do it very aggressively.
Posted on Dec 16, 2007 under Playing Tips |
When #1 goes down the lane, #1 should pretend to be bowling. If #1 hits on either side of the lane, it can be considered a gutter ball. This allows #1 to hit aggressively without trying for a line.
When going crosscourt, #1 once again can picture a bowling lane. If #1 hits a gutter ball to the left, #1 misses wide. If #1 misses to the right, #2 will not be stretched and will probably hit an offensive winner.
Finally, when hitting from the middle, the bowling lanes change, meaning there is not as much angle in which to hit. You can see how the lanes have changed from the crosscourt diagram. #2 will not be pulled into the doubles alley, and therefore #1 does not have as much of an advantage.
Posted on Dec 16, 2007 under Playing Tips |
The fast ball is the one hit hardest down the center. This is the one that often causes unforced errors. It is the easiest one to follow to the net because it leaves no angles for your opponent. Notice this serve crosses the net on the right side of the center strap.
The curve ball is often used to pull opponents off the court. It is not the speed that counts, but the accuracy. If you can place the ball on the sideline two feet up from the service line, it is almost impossible to return. This serve keeps #2 from leaning in on the fast ball and is often an ace when #2 tries to protect the backhand side.
The slider is the serve that chases the returner. The ball comes in to #2’s body which allows #2 little chance to create power. It is often referred to as the “jammer.” This serve is crucial when playing big hitters because they cannot hit out on the return easily and will become frustrated.
Posted on Dec 15, 2007 under Drills |
This series teaches players how to attack the net and create pressure for opponents.
#1 serves to #2’s backhand side, and #2 tries to chip (slice) the return to the corner.
As #1 moves to the ball, #2 races to the net to gain the best possible court position (close to the net and balanced) Now #1 has lots of pressure to product a great shot or lose the point. After 5 minutes, switch roles and continue.
When on the “ad” side, #2 will chip down the line to #1’s forehand and move in. By not going crosscourt, #2 is able to move straight in and avoids opening the court.
Posted on Dec 15, 2007 under Drills |
This drill develops reflexes and anticipation of the net person. The net player must be moving weight forward as the ball is hit.
#1 serves a 3/4 speed ball to #3 and moves forward. #3 must return this ball at #2 and try to make it solid and consistent.
#2 must be moving slightly forward to hit #3’s return of service. There is a degree of timing from when the serve is hit as to when #2 should move forward. Practice with the intent of discovering when to move. #2 must now try to hit the target.
After eight to ten hits, rotate the players as shown above. When all players have served, volleyed and returned, have them change to the add side and repeat the drill.
Posted on Dec 15, 2007 under Drills |
Ball in a Sock
#1 takes a sock with a ball in it and goes through the exact service motion she normally uses. The player is required to throw the sock across the net into the service box which is shaded. #1 then goes to the back of the line. #4 throws the ball back using her service motion. The first team to miss the service box five times loses.
Conserving Water
This game is great for two teams of beginners. Both teams have a small paper cup full of water. Each player must hit two forehands from the water and then hand off the cup spilling as little as possible. After each player has hit, the team with the most water left in the cup wins. The other team picks up all the balls.
Around The World
Establish a series of 7 stations around the court and have the players hit from each one successfully before advancing to the next one. If a player misses a shot, he can “chance it.” But if the chance fails, he is required to start over. If the player does not take the chance, he may stay at the station until the next turn. The winner successfully goes from stations 1-7 and returns 7-1.
Posted on Dec 14, 2007 under Coaching Principles |
1. Begin by placing the basket to your left side if you are
right-handed. That is much more efficient than a basket in front or behind you.
2. Place your left foot on the basket if the basket is not very sturdy. You don’t want a returned ball knocking over the basket and spilling balls everywhere!
3. Try to keep two balls in your hand at all times. If you reach down to the basket and miss grabbing a second ball, you can still hit the one in your hand and continue the flow of play.
4. Try to establish a rhythm. If the player (especially a stronger player) has to wait for your feeds, speed up. Likewise, your feeds should not rush players.
5. When you feed balls, visualize where you want the ball to go. Then watch and analyze your results. The more consistent your feed, the easier the player can get in a rhythm. Focus on the height and speed as well as the location.
Posted on Dec 14, 2007 under Drills |
This drill will help you improve technique on slicing and coming to the net. The drill is predictable, so the approach must be good!
#2 hits the ball to #1 who must return the ball down the middle. #2 tries to hit a short ball to #1’s backhand.
#1 must see this or anticipate this short ball and immediately begin to move forward towards the net. The ball may be hit in either direction - down the line or crosscourt - but must be hit with slice. The Instructor should emphasize that the down the line approach is better because it does not open the court for #2 to hit a passing shot. The crosscourt shot should be used for variety.
#2 now tries to pass #1 with a crosscourt short angle, a down the line shot, or a topspin lob. The point is played out. After 10 minutes, the players switch roles.
Posted on Dec 14, 2007 under Drills |
This drill develops touch and feel for how to lob when moving backwards on the court.
This drill works well in a group setting, but can be adapted for any number of players.
Players begin in the middle of the court, two steps inside the baseline. The Instructor (I) will feed balls deep to either corner as diagramed above.
#1 must retreat and attempt to throw up a lob over the Instructor (I). Emphasis should be placed on going crosscourt whenever the player is really stretched out. When the player has more time, the lob can be strategically placed over the backhand side. While #1 is going to lob the first ball, I feeds #2 in the other corner. Both players return to the back of the line after hitting the lob.
