Groundstroke

Tennis Drills

This Tennis eBook contains ground stroke drills for you to use in your lessons or practice
sessions. Live ball and feeding drill sections are contained with all drills accompanied by
detailed diagrams and instructions.
General Information

Title: Groundstroke Tennis Drills eBook

Author: David Horne and Rufus Keown at GlobalTennisCoaching.com
First Published: 2004
Revised and Updated Digital Edition (eBook): 2011
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“eBooks International”

 Copyright 2011 GlobalTennisCoaching.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
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 Tennis Drills

Why are good drills so important? To quote from ancient Chinese philosophy…
“If (players) are unaccustomed to rigorous drilling, they will be worried and hesitant in battle
(matches).” (Sun Tzu, The Art of War). Practise how you want to play in a match!

Selecting and using the right drills in practice are the best way for a coach to get their
students ready for match play. The phrase “practise makes perfect” is particularly appropriate
for tennis players. Professional tennis players practise their strokes, patterns and strategies
until they can play a match on “auto pilot”, making the correct decisions and playing the right
shots at the right time.

Of course in a competitive match situation, the increased pressure and nerves will often affect
most players. By practicing the right moves, using challenging drills we can strive to train our
players to perform the same in matches and on the practice court.

This eBook does not seek to tell coaches how they should coach. There are different coaches
with different personalities and methods that all succeed in developing players and help
people enjoy tennis.

We have seen top state coaches on court “with out a racket”; many experienced coaches like
a basket of balls loaded with a hundred or more balls and then there are other top coaches
who will only take a dozen balls on court and demand their students rally consistently with
each ball. Some professional players have been known to conduct their sessions with one
ball only. I often watched Mats Wilander and Nystrom (two Swedish players) practise with
only one ball. All these methods have been successful and all are very different.
 Types of Tennis Drills in This eBook

Live Ball Drills

Live Ball Drills can simply be described as drills “where the point is played out.”
A coach or player starts the drill by hitting a ball into the court and that ball is rallied between
all the players. The situation is a very “open” coaching environment, as the players will be
faced with unpredictable situations and will have to adapt appropriately. In this environment
players will face both tactical and technical issues and, although the coach may modify the
drill to work at a specific skill, it imitates match play. It is this realistic match environment that
makes “Live Ball Drills” effective.

Feeding Drills
Feeding Drills describe a drill where the coach feeds in a ball which is hit but no rally takes
place. This is a “closed” coaching environment where players may be working on a specific
stroke or pattern of strokes.

Feeding drills are usually very technical situations and the coach and player can specifically
work at correcting a stroke weakness or developing a new stroke or grip. Feeding drills may
be most effective in helping a player master a difficult skill, such as hitting a kick serve, a slice
backhand or a skill that they are experiencing trouble grasping.

Live Ball vs. Feeding Drills

It is important that a coach recognise the various benefits of both methods of drilling. Live ball
drills fit neatly in with the game based approach philosophy of teaching students technical and
tactical skills simultaneously. Players of all ages and abilities enjoy this “game” situation and
live ball drills can be adapted to work in any given situation.

There will be times when coaches may want to “close” the environment to work on a specific
stroke or skill and feeding drills may be more appropriate. In our experience feeding drills
may be used to give a player confidence and muscle memory when learning difficult concepts
such as:

 Learning a slice backhand

 Learning to hit a single handed backhand after learning with a two handed backhand
 Learning to hit return of serves

A good coach will learn what type of drills will suit their students. It should be noted that once
a player has mastered a stroke during feeding drills the progression should be made to a live
ball drill to practise the skill under match conditions.
Scoring

Tennis is a scoring game. As players develop, their ability to handle the “score board
pressure” can be as important as technique and tactics. Consequently the drills you use in
training should keep score so players can practise playing under match type pressure.

There are various types of scoring systems that can be used to improve the structure of the
drill.

Examples of Scoring Systems You Can Use in Your Lessons:

1. Love – 15 – 30 – 40 – Deuce – Advantage - Game

Beginner players may benefit from simply learning the basic scoring system of the game of
tennis.

st
2. Play Sets Where the 1 to Score 7 / 11/ 21 Points Wins
Playing tie breaker rules or “fast tennis” rules can be effective when there is limited time to
play a full set. These modified scoring games also create pressure scoring situations more
often and train players to deal with “scoreboard pressure.”

3. Loaded Scoring
If a coach is working on a specific skill during a drill, then loading the points is an effective
way to train students to play the way you want them to.

Examples of Loading Points Include:

 Encouraging students to go for their serves by awarding double points for an ace or
unreturnable serve.

 If a coach wishes to emphasize consistency and patience in a drill, a net error can be
penalised by forfeiting the set.

 Double points can be awarded for volley and overhead winners in a drill thus encouraging
players to attack the net.

There are countless ways to load the scoring system of your drill and make it a more
challenging exercise.
4. Handicap Scoring
In private lessons or group lessons where players of different standards are competing,
coaches should create a handicap scoring scenario to ensure a competitive environment.

Some Methods of Handicap Scoring Include:

 While playing a set of tennis, the player that wins the first game begins the next game at
0-15. If they win again then they will start the next game at 0-30.

 A score, for example of 4 – 1, would result in the winning player starting at 0-40 in the
next game. If the scores are level 2 – 2 then the game would start at 0-0.

 While playing tie breakers or points, the player that wins the first tie breaker starts the
next tie breaker handicapped by the amount they won by.

For example by winning the tie breaker 7 – 4 the next set begins at 0 – 3.
This method will help all players practise under “score board pressure”.

Class Size

Drills in this book can be modified to suit class sizes of between 1 – 6, with some team games
allowing more than 12 players. Class size can often be a case of scarcity – everybody would
like private lessons with the coach, however there is not enough money, tennis courts or
tennis coaches to support this. With organisation, good drills and well trained students, a
group session can be as challenging as an individual lesson.

A Note on Private Lessons

Is there great benefit in a 7 year old receiving private lessons??? Is there benefit if the coach
is rallying to the student “perfect” returns – with out spin, straight to the students, bouncing
around waist height??? A better scenario might be for the coach to match two students (or
more) of similar age and ability (a crucial coaching skill) together and then create drills or
activities to challenge them. This would create a far more realistic and “match like” training
situation.

Group Lessons
Group or squad training requires the coach to be a good manager. Students do not want
“dead spots” or long periods of inactivity in their work outs. This may be experienced when a
coach feeds to students one at a time, while others in the group wait for their turn. The coach
should plan the drills for their lesson based on the size of their class.
Ideas for Coaching Different Class Sizes Include (players: coach)

2 players: 1 coach Two evenly matched players on court with a coach is an ideal scenario
for practicing singles drills. The coach may choose to feed in to start the point or have the
players start the point. The coach can then walk around the court motivating, instructing and
encouraging the players where needed.

3: 1 At this ratio, drills can work on both singles and doubles with the coach filling in to make
the fourth doubles player. 2 on 1 drills with the coach feeding can work fitness and technique
training. Practise 1 on 1 drills by rotating players every 1 or 2 points.

Keep the rotations quick, even after each stroke, to keep the players energized. In a high
intensity workout this will give the third player some rest and recovery time.

4: 1 Doubles drills and fast moving singles drills are ideal for this ratio of players.

5: 1 Practise doubles drills. Give the fifth player who is waiting their turn a meaningful task to
do while rotating off during the drill. In a beginners class this may be teaching them to score
or call lines. You may consider a fitness exercise such as skipping or sit ups. The fifth
person may pick up balls while waiting, to make the drills run with out disruption. Make
rotations regularly to maintain the concentration and enthusiasm of the fifth player.

6: 1 Incorporate doubles drills at this ratio to ensure four players are on the court drilling at all
times. The two waiting players will rotate into the drill every few points. Pair up players so
rotations occur two at a time to ensure that all players are continuously participating in the
drill.

6+: 1 Once classes reach this size you will need to refer to the Team Games and Squad
Games section of this book. More than one tennis court may be required and perhaps an
assistant to the head coach will be required. A fast paced and well organised program will
need to be planned.

Coaches should involve as many players on court as possible in their drills. To achieve
maximum participation a class size of 2 – 4 would be ideal.

A Good Coach Can Still Create a Great Training Session With Over Four Players By:
 Making quick and regular rotations
 Utilising meaningful off - court activities
 Asking the players who are off the court some tactical questions about the on-court play.
 Key to Diagrams

Forehand

Backhand

Serve

Volley

Smash / Overhead

Running Shot

Ready Position / Waiting Player

Player’s Shot

Coach’s Feed

Player Movement

Markers / Cones

Lob / High Net Clearance

 Groundstroke Tennis Drills

Groundstrokes describe the forehands and backhands played from the back of the court
where the ball has bounced.

In the modern game back-court play is the most predominant style of tennis so the
development of sound groundstrokes is very important.

Contributing to the Popularity of Baseline Tennis Has Been:

 Improved racket technology.
 More tournaments held on clay or hard court surfaces.
 Less tournaments held on grass.
 Improvements in technique, specifically grips and biomechanical advancements allowing
players greater power and control from the baseline.

An example of this is the progression of Australia’s top tennis players through different eras
moving from the serve and volley game to the back court game.

Serve & volley players such as John Newcombe, Pat Cash and Pat Rafter were Australia’s
number one players through the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. Australia’s current number one
Lleyton Hewitt plays almost exclusively from the back court with consistent ground strokes,
fierce passing shots, aggressive lobs and tenacious movement.

The Drills Described in This Section Provide Some Key Themes:

Consistency: Hitting with good net clearance

Hitting with topspin
Hitting cross-court

Aggression: Taking the ball early

Developing a “Big” forehand
Driving the ball deep

Shot Selection: Playing the right shot at the right time

Balance between consistency and aggression

Movement: Being able to play shots on the run or off balance

Correct footwork patterns to ensure correct body positioning
Groundstroke Drill 1:

+ 1 – 1 (plus 1 point – minus 1 point)

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
At any level, good players should be trained to
avoid net errors, hitting for length into the back
court. This drill is designed to emphasise
consistency through net clearance.

Instruction:
Player A challenges Player B in a baseline rally
situation. The ball is underhand fed in by either the
coach or players.

Scoring:
 1 team to +5 wins the set.
st

 2 sets win the match.

 +1 point is scored from opposition errors &

winners.

 Any errors into the net result in a penalty

 –1 point scored for the offending team.

Details:
2 – 4 players

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.
Groundstroke Drill #2

Clear the Net

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced players.

Objective:
Two of the core elements of consistent, percentage
tennis are net clearance and topspin. This drill
works at these essentials by forcing players to
exaggerate their net clearance and control their
depth using topspin.

Instruction:
 Set the court up using net extenders to double
the height of the net.

 Players are to rally out with any stroke played

under the net extenders called an error.

 Encourage high, topspin strokes.

Scoring:
st
Play sets of 1 to 7 points

Details:
2 – 4 players

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

Clearing the net – Besides your opponent,
the biggest obstacle you will face on the
court is the net!
rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.
Net Extenders - Use a length of rope and tie each
end to the fence of the court. Pull tight to a height
around twice the height of the net or net posts.
Groundstroke Drill #3

Forehand Cross Court Consistency

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
This baseline drill develops stroke consistency and
builds defensive & offensive cross court patterns.

Instruction:
 Place markers down to cut down court area.
Players A & B play cross court.

 Hit forehands only.

 The manipulation of spin, speed, depth & angle

are crucial to winning points in this limited court
area.

 The point starts with an underhand feed.

Scoring:
st
1 to 7 points wins the set
3 sets win the match.

Progression:
Manipulate scoring to suit lesson plan. i.e.
Net error = immediate loss of set; or error in first 5
shots = immediate loss of set.
.
Details:
2 – 4 players.

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.

Set marker cones 1.5 metres (approximately 2

racket lengths) from the side line.
Groundstroke Drill #4

Backhand Cross Court Consistency

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
This baseline drill develops stroke consistency and
builds defensive & offensive cross court patterns.

Instruction:
 Place markers as illustrated to cut down court
area. Players A & B play cross court.

 Hit backhands only.

 The manipulation of spin, speed, depth and

angle are crucial to winning points in this
limited court area.

 The point starts with an underhand feed.

Scoring:
st
1 to 7 points wins the set
3 sets win the match.

Progression:
Manipulate scoring to suit lesson plan. i.e.
Net error = immediate loss of set; or
Error in first 5 shots = immediate loss of set.

Details:
2 – 4 players.

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.

Set marker cones 1.5 metres (approximately 2

racket lengths) from the side line.
Groundstroke Drill #5

“Inside – Out” Forehand Patterns

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
This baseline drill is designed to develop stroke
consistency and build defensive & offensive cross
court patterns.

Instruction:
 Place markers as illustrated to cut down court
area. Players A & B play cross court.

 “Inside-out” forehands only.

 The manipulation of spin, speed, depth and

angle are crucial to winning points in this
limited court area.

 The point starts with an underhand feed.

Scoring:
st
1 to 7 points wins the set
3 sets win the match.

Details:
2 – 4 players

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.

Set marker cones 1.5 metres (approximately 2

racket lengths) from the side line.
Groundstroke Drill #6
Scoring:
1st toGroundstroke
“Big-Shot” 7 wins the set, Patterns
3 sets win the match

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
To develop a “BIG SHOT” during an open- rally
situation. This leads to the player developing an
aggressive baseline game style.

Instruction:
 Place markers down parallel to the singles line
to act as the target zone.

 Player A feeds in underhand and the point is

played out in full court.

 Player A scores double points for a winning

backhand down the line into the target area.

 Player B scores double points for a winning

forehand down the line into the target area.

 Change feeders and sides at the end of a set,

so that both players practise both winning
shots.

Scoring:
st
1 to 7 points wins the set
B
3 sets win the match

Progression:
Only winning shots in the target area and unforced
errors can score. Otherwise point is replayed.

Details:
2 – 4 players

Set marker cones 1.5 metres from the side line

(approximately 2 racket lengths).
Groundstroke Drill #7

Angle Groundstroke Patterns

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
To develop and create angles to move your
opponent out of court. Thus opening the court up
for the “BIG SHOT” practised in the previous
exercise.

Instruction:
 Place markers down parallel to the singles line
to act as the target zone.

 Player A feeds in underhand and the point is

played out in full court.

 Player A scores a bonus point every time they

create an angle and gets the ball into the target
zone from the backhand side.

 The same rule applies for player B who can

score bonus points from the forehand side.

 Change feeders and sides at the end of a set,

so that players practise both shots and both
sides.

Scoring:
st
1 to 11 points wins (2 or 3 bonus points may be
B
scored every point)

3 sets win the match.

Progression:
Double points awarded for winning shots.

Details:
2 – 4 players

Marker cones required.

Set marker cones 1.5 metres from the side line
(approximately 2 racket lengths).
Groundstroke Drill #8

Half Court vs. Full Court

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
In the modern game, players regularly use the “off
forehand” to control the point.

This drill emphasises the off forehand, and helps

players practise the correct footwork and stroke
patterns necessary.

Instruction:
 Set up the court using markers as illustrated to
divide the court into two equal halves down one
end.

 Instruct player A to use the “off” or “inside-out”

forehand to control the point.

 Player A varies depth, angle, spin and speed to

move player B all over the court and set up a
winning shot.

 Player B must concentrate on movement to the

ball and recovery to correct position after each
shot.

Out of bounds  Player B must hit all shots to one half of the
area for court.
player B

Scoring:
7 – 11 points

A Player B aims to get to 7

Player A aims for 11 points.

After 1 set rotate sides to give both players an

opportunity to develop their “inside-out” forehand.

Details:
2 – 4 players

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.
Groundstroke Drill #9

Consistency Game

Player Level:
Intermediate players

Objective:
To encourage a “get the ball back at all costs”
mentality to your students.

This great drill rewards the player who returns

every ball.

Instruction:
 Players set up on court with at least one player
on sidelines.

 The coach or player starts the rally with an

Waiting underhand feed and players rally out.
Player
 The waiting player replaces the player who
makes an error, or, a winner is hit on their side
of the court.

 This drill can be played in either a singles or

doubles format.

Scoring:
Players score a point each time they are on the
court.

First to score 15 or 21 points wins.

Players score a set if they are on court for 5 rallies

st
in a row – 1 to 3 sets.

Progression:

 Use net extenders. Players must hit over net

extenders.

 Only strokes landing beyond the service line

are in.

 Play in a figure 8 pattern.

Details:
3 – 6 players.
Groundstroke Drill #10

Depth Control

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
Maintaining good depth in a pressure rally situation
is crucial. Improve depth of stroke in a variable
rally situation.

Instruction:
 Set up the court with a “depth zone” as
illustrated.

 The rally is started with an underhand feed

Depth Zone (which does not score) and players aim to hit
their strokes into the “depth zone”.

 The player who makes the error must feed in to

start the next point.

Scoring:
 1 point is scored for every ball that lands in the
depth zone.

 Players are penalised 3 points for a net error.

Wide and long errors do not receive a point
penalty; however, the player who makes the
error must feed in the next rally.
Depth Zone
 1 to 20 wins.
st

Details:
2 – 4 players

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.
Groundstroke Drill #11

Drill: In to “Attack” – Back to “Defend”

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
Teach players to aggressively use their feet to
either get into a strong attacking position inside the
baseline; or defend behind the baseline.

Move in to Attack
Instruction:

 Place markers between the baseline and

service line as reference points for the players.

 Start the point with an underhand feed with

players setting up on the baseline.

 If the ball bounces inside the markers players

are to move in and “attack”- improving the
players court position, opening up available
angles by contacting the ball closer to the net
and shortening the time the opponent has to
react.

 If the ball bounces behind the markers players

move back and “defend”- giving them more
time to set up and play a difficult deep ball.

 Emphasise a short back swing and “timing” the

ball when moving forwards; and a long swing
and “looping” stroke when moving back.

 Players should recover to the centre mark after

each stroke.

 To emphasise the movement and decision

making, players may call out “attack” or
“defend” depending on where the ball bounces
for each stroke.

Move Back to Defend

Details:
2 – 4 players

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.
Groundstroke Drill #12

Take the Ball Early and on the Rise

Player Level:
Advanced Players

Objective:
Teach players how to play aggressively from the
baseline by taking the ball early and therefore:

- Improving the players court position

- Opening up available angles by contacting the

ball closer to the net, and

- Shortening the time the opponent has to react.

Instruction:
 Start the point with an underhand feed.
Instruct the players that they must stay inside
the baseline to hit all their strokes, always
moving forwards to “take the ball early and on
the rise”.

 Emphasise short back swing and “timing” the

ball.

 This may be a difficult skill at first, but through

practise, players will gain a very valuable
weapon.

Scoring:
 The rally is played out with points being
awarded for errors and winners.

 Players also lose the point if their feet

“transgress” behind the baseline.

Details:
2 – 4 players

This drill can be suited to a group lesson by

rotating the players after each point or even after
each shot to ensure maximum participation.
Groundstroke Drill #13
4 – 6 players.
Drill: 2 on 2 Training – Baseline Battle

Player Level:
Beginners – Advanced players

Objective:
Create a controlled rally situation where players
learn to understand the ideal “rally speed” that they
can maintain.

Instruction:
 The coach or player begins the point with an
underhand feed. The goal of the drill is to
maintain a rally at the highest ball speed
possible.

 The coach should be constantly monitoring and

correcting the tempo of the rally.

 If there are too many errors then “slow down”.

If the drill is not challenging enough for the
players then pick-up the intensity.

 This drill is effectively a “sparring” drill with the

aim being not to win the point, but to create an
intense rally situation.

 The coach should keep the players bouncing

on the balls of their feet in between strokes.

Scoring:
Count the length of rallies.

Progression:
Progress to "directional control"

Details:
4 – 6 players.
Groundstroke Drill #14

2 on 2 Training – Direction Control

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced Players

Objective:
Create a controlled rally situation where players
learn to understand the ideal “rally speed” that they
can maintain.

Instruction:
 4 players control a pattern of:
down the line - cross court – down the line –
cross court…a figure 8 pattern.

 This drill is effectively a “sparring” drill with the

aim not to win the point but to create an intense
rally situation.

 The coach should keep the players bouncing

on the balls of their feet in between strokes.

Scoring:
Count length of rallies

Details:
4 players
Groundstroke Drill #15

1 on 1 Training – Direction Control

Player Level:
Advanced Players

Objective:
Create a controlled rally situation where players
learn to understand the ideal “rally speed” that they
can maintain.

Instruction:
 2 players control a pattern of: down the line -
cross court – down the line – cross court…a
figure 8 pattern.

 This drill is effectively a “sparring” drill with the

aim not to win the point but create an intense
rally situation.

 Players will have to work extremely hard at

recovering after each stroke to ensure that they
get to the next ball with balance and ready to
place their next shot.

Hit Down the Line Scoring:

Count length of rallies

Hit Cross Court

Player Movement Details:

2 – 4 players.
Groundstroke Drill #16

2 on 1 Training – Down the Line to Cross Court

Player Level:
Advanced Players

Objective:
2 on 1 is a great way to overload the training
program and to get players working really hard on
physical fitness, while at the same time maintaining
stroke technique.
A B

Instruction:
 The coach or player will begin the rally with an
underhand feed.

 Players A & B hit cross-court shots while player

C hits down the line as illustrated.

 This is great physical training for player C who

must run the baseline to reach every shot.

 Players A & B continue to control their strokes.

 Ensure the rally is played at a high tempo and

rotate once player C loses technique through
exhaustion.

Scoring:
Count the longest rally.

When an opponent has a weaker side, often the

backhand, then you should exploit this deficiency.
Details:
3 – 4 players.
Open up the court first and then attack their weak
side.
Groundstroke Drill #17

2 on 1 Training – Baseline Battle

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced Players

Objective:
2 on 1 is a great way to overload the training
program and to get players working really hard on
physical fitness, while at the same time maintaining
stroke technique.

Instruction:
 The player or coach starts a rally with an
underhand feed.

 Play at a tempo that allows for long challenging

rallies.

 The doubles team should aim to vary their

strokes.

 The coach may like to set up the rally by giving

the singles player a challenging feed for the
first shot.

Scoring:
Rotate positions after the doubles team has won 3
points in a row (indicating fatigue by the singles
player).

Make it a competition by timing how long the

singles player can last by themselves.

Details:
3 – 4 players.
Groundstroke Drill #18
2 on 1 Training – Cross Court Challenge
C B
A  Lose 5 points and rotate positions.
Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced Players
Objective:
2 on 1 is a great way to overload the training
program and to get players working really hard on
physical fitness, while at the same time maintaining
stroke technique.
Instruction:
 The player or coach starts a rally with an
underhand feed.
 Player A must hit every ball cross court
 Players B & C should aim to vary their strokes
and can hit either down the line or cross court
to upset player A’s rhythm.
Scoring:
 If player A does not successfully hit their shot
cross court they lose 1 point.
 Make it a competition by timing how long the
singles player can last by themselves.
Details:
3 – 4 players.
Groundstroke Drill #19

2 on 1 Training – Baseline to Net Battle

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced Players

Objective:
2 on 1 is a great way to overload the training
programme and to get players working really hard
on physical fitness, while at the same time
maintaining stroke technique.

Instruction:
 Two players set up at the net challenging one
player at the baseline as illustrated.

 The player or coach starts a rally with an

underhand feed.

 Instruct the net team to hit deep volleys but not

to hit angled winners.

 Play at a tempo that allows for long challenging

rallies.

 The baseline player will have to develop quick

footwork and racket work as their reaction time
is cut down by the volleying team.

 Rotate once the singles player loses technique

through exhaustion.

Scoring:
Count the longest rally.

Details:
3 – 4 players.
Groundstroke Drill #20

Home Base Drill

Player Level:
Beginners – Advanced players

Objective:
Improve playing shots on the move and emphasise
the importance of recovering back to the centre of
the court after every shot in a singles match.

Instruction:
 Players start a cross court forehand rally. After
each shot players must recover back to the
centre mark.

 This drill is terrific for developing recovery and

simulates singles match play where recovery to
cover the open court is a crucial skill.

 Hitting good cross court shots on the run is

also a critical skill for consistent baseline play
and is favoured by most professionals in the
modern game.

Scoring:
Count the longest rally.

Progression:
Conduct drill to the backhand side

Details:
2 – 4 players
Groundstroke Drill #21

Random Ball

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced Players

Objective:
Players need to learn to “read” and respond to the
ball. While many young players may not react to
the ball approaching them until it is over their side
of the net.

Studies have shown professional players react in

the first 1/3 of the flight of the ball.

Instruction:
 The coach starts the rally with an underhand
feed.

 During the rally the coach varies their stroke

considering:
o Spin
o Speed
o Depth
o Height
o Direction

 Play high topspin lobs, low slices, back spin

drop shots, fast flat balls and place the balls
into the corners.

 Students hit all balls back to the coach.

 Teach the student to quickly recognise and act

on the type of stroke the coach is playing by
asking them to not just watch the ball closely,
but also the coach’s racket and body.

Details:
1 – 4 players

This drill should be a very physically taxing

exercise so allow players to rest while other
students participate.
Groundstroke Drill #22

The 3 Gears (Pupil)

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced Players

Objective:
Being able to build a point through consistency and
depth; and powerfully finishing off a point with
accurate and controlled hitting is practised in this
drill.

Instruction:
 Coach initiates a baseline rally instructing the
student to hit:

 10 balls consistently at a medium pace aiming

for safe net clearance and depth at around
60% of hitting capacity.

 8 balls at a hard pace, or 75% hitting capacity,

lowering net clearance but still hitting well
inside the sideline.

 6 balls at maximum hitting capacity, aiming just

inside the lines for winners.

 This helps encourage the student to build the

point with consistent hitting and control their
put away shots and vary their pace and
therefore upset the hitting rhythm.

 Coach returns manageable strokes to students,

making the final 6 “put away” strokes short,
higher bouncing returns.

Details:
1 – 4 players.
Groundstroke Drill #23

Drill: The 3 Gears (Coach)

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced Players

Objective:
Teach the student how to play against different
standard of players whilst playing in matches.

This includes training players to beat weaker

players as well as those better than themselves.

Instruction:
 The coach initiates a rally and hits 10 balls at a
slow pace whilst the student focuses on
moving the coach around.

 Coach then hits 8 balls at a medium pace

whilst the student focuses on hitting with depth
putting the coach under pressure.

 Coach then hits 6 hard balls teaching the

student how to cope with power and
encouraging them to retrieve as many balls as
possible to stay in the point.

Details:
Playing stronger players is the time to never 1 – 4 players.
give up. Make your opponent earn it. Go for
every ball and expect it to come back. Shot
selection is the key to success!
Groundstroke Drill #24

Backhand Slice to Forehand Drive Cross Court

Player Level:
Advanced players

Objective:
To work on both the forehand drive and slice
backhand in one drill.

This drill teaches each player how to hit a shot

when there is spin on the ball.

Specifically, the forehand player must hit topspin

off a slice shot, and the player hitting the backhand
must learn to hit a slice off a ball coming at them
with topspin.

Instruction:
 Each player will be hitting cross court to their
partner.

 One player will be designated to hit topspin

forehands only, and their partner will be hitting
the backhand slice shot.

 This is a consistency drill learning to hit various

spins. No outright winners!

 Rally cross court for a set period of time and

then change roles with your partner.

 If there are four players on the court, then

change sides after 10 minutes.
(Deuce court to advantage court)

Scoring:
Count the total number of shots made in a row.
Each team will keep their own score. The team with
the most shots correctly hit in a row wins.

Details:
2 – 4 players

Encourage the players to work on their footwork.

Instruct each player how to hit a slice off a high

bouncing ball and how to hit a topspin forehand off
a low bouncing slice.
Groundstroke Drill #25

Alternating Forehand to Backhand Down the Line Rally

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players

Objective:
This drill works on consistency, technique, and
accuracy hitting down the line to a partner.

It requires a lot of footwork as each player must get

into position to hit their designated shot.

Instruction:
 Use half of the court as shown.

 One player will hit forehands only and the other

player will hit backhands only.

 Both players will hit either topspin or slice

depending on the best shot to hit.

 This works on shot selection.

 Both players will try to keep the rally going as it

is also a consistency drill.

 After a set period of time the players will

change roles and hit the opposite shot to what
they were just working on.

 Players are not trying to win the point.

Scoring:
Count the total number of balls hit correctly in a row

Details:
2 – 4 players

Good footwork is essential to get in the correct

position to hit each shot.

The more advanced players can work on the drill

for a longer period of time.
Groundstroke Drill #26

Baseline Anticipation

Player Level:
Beginners – Advanced players

Objective:
Watch the professional players change the tempo
of a rally, quickly moving from a neutral rally
situation to attack.

This drill challenges students to go for their shots

and “out position” their opponents.

Instruction:
 Two players conduct a rally at a moderate
pace, but emphasising quality hitting, good net
clearance and depth.

 After each shot the players must perform the

split step, lowering their centre of gravity
anticipating an aggressive shot to the corner by
an opponent. The split step will help them
chase the wide ball.

 A coach or 3 player on the sidelines will call

rd

“PLAY” after a random number of shots. On

Stage 1 – Rally with intensity
the “play” call the rally assumes match intensity
with players aiming to force errors by:
o hitting for the corners
o hitting a short angle
o hitting an approach shot or
o hitting a drop shot.

 From the “play” call the aim is to win the point.

Scoring:
Point doesn’t start until “play” called.
st
1 to 11 points wins

Hint:
 Call “play” after a weak or short ball, this forces
the players to rally with intensity.

 Call “play” early, just after one player has hit

the ball, this allows the player hitting the forcing
ball time to set up.

 Aim to give both competitors equal opportunity

“PLAY” st
to play the 1 forcing shot.

 Remind players that errors will occur when

forcing the play, encourage them, and if they
make errors, “make them on your terms.”
Stage 2 – Go for the corners
 Groundstroke Feeding Drills

Feeding drills can be very useful when developing a new stroke or grip that is difficult to master.

Difficult Concepts Such As:

 Learning a slice backhand

 Learning to hit a single handed backhand after learning with a two handed backhand (or vice versa)

 Learning to hit return of serves

 Learning to develop a “Big” forehand

Feeding drills can be accurately described as a “closed” coaching environment and coaches can use this
environment to develop technical weaknesses. By developing confidence in stroke and muscle memory;
players may then effectively transfer newly acquired skills into match situations.

Ball machines may be effective tools in working at feeding drills, allowing the coach to analyse at close
range, or even video tape player technique.

It should be noted that feeding drills have limitations. During feeding drills there is usually no scope to
develop tactics and it therefore does not simulate match play. The coach’s feeds are usually ideally
placed for the player, which also doesn’t reflect the demands of a match. It is recommended that feeding
drills are not used for preparing a player for competition or tournament play because they don’t replicate
the types of tactical and physical stress’s associated with match play.

Private training in pre-season or early in the preparation phase is a better time to use feeding drills.
Always make sure that you have a large basket of balls to allow for the repetition which develops
confidence and muscle memory. Using feeding drills in squads isn’t encouraged as it creates too much
“dead” time in picking up balls and waiting as only one or two players can be involved at a time.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #1

Groundstroke Accuracy From One Side

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players.

Objective:
Work on the accuracy of your forehand and
backhand groundstrokes.

Drill 1
Instruction:
The coach will feed from the centre of the court at
the baseline. From here, the coach will alternate
feeding to both players.

Drill 1:
Instruct the players to hit all groundstroke cross
court.

Drill 2:
Instruct the players to now hit down the line.

Drill 3:
Instruct the players to alternate hitting one shot
Drill 2 cross-court to one shot down the line.

Drill 4:
Players can hit to either side of their choice.

Details:
Encourage using proper technique while working
on accuracy.

This drill can be performed having the players

hitting these strokes with either topspin or slice
(backhands).

Set up cones for the more advanced players so

that they have a more specific target to aim for.
Drill 3
Feed each player ten balls before rotating with the
next player in line. This number can vary
depending on balls available and the number of
players involved in the drill.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #2

Depth Control

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players.

Objective:
Depth of stroke is a crucial ingredient for the
developing tennis player. This drill tries to teach the
players to hit deep into the court.

Instruction:
 Set up the court into zones as illustrated,
rewarding players for hitting the ball as deep
into the court as possible.

 Errors into the net are penalised (- 3 points)

 The coach feeds an easy paced ball while

instructing the player to aim high over the net.

 Finish with a long follow through and control

- 3 point zone the ball with top spin.

 Once the player has mastered hitting the ball

deep, the coach should begin feeding in more
challenging shots to the backhand and
1 point zone forehand.

3 point zone
Scoring:
Challenge the player to reach a certain score (50 or
5 point zone 100) in a set amount of balls or in a designated
time period.

Progression:
In a group situation, make two teams and the
coach alternate feeding to Team A and B.

First team to reach 50 wins.

Details:
1 – 4 players

Marker cones are required to divide zones.

Groundstroke Feeding Drill #3

Cross Court Topspin Forehand / Slice Backhand Down the Line

Player Level:
Advanced
Suitable for private lessons

Objective:
Upsetting an opponent’s rhythm by changing the
direction, spin, speed and trajectory of your shot is
an important tactical weapon.

Use this drill to practise the variation in your shots.

Instruction:
 Have the player stand in their backhand corner
at the baseline.

 From this position they will alternate between

hitting an inside-out forehand cross-court and a
slice backhand down the line.

 This drill involves alternating between an

aggressive topspin forehand and a slice
backhand with the emphasis on consistency
and accuracy.

Feed 1  Encourage the player to work on the correct

footwork in getting around into position to hit
that inside out forehand and then follow up with
an accurate slice backhand straight down the
line.

Details:
This drill works on grip change from forehand to
backhand, accuracy, depth, angles, and alternating
topspin and slice.

The number of balls fed will depend on the players’

skill and fitness level.

Ideally you will want to feed 20 - 30 balls, rest for

30 seconds while giving the player some feedback
and advice.

Then repeat while focusing on our goal of

consistency and stroke development.

Maintain a high level of quality and feed in deep

consistent balls to the player.
Feed 2
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #4

Inside - Out Forehands Only

Player Level:
Advanced
Suitable for private lessons

Objective:
The goal of this drill is to help develop the forehand
into a weapon.

This drill is also trying to teach the player shot

selection by being patient, yet aggressive, when
hitting inside-out forehands from behind the
baseline.

Consistency is the goal along with developing the

necessary footwork to hit inside-out forehands.

Without the proper footwork the player will not be

able to successfully complete this drill.

Instruction:
 Have the player stand in their backhand corner
at the baseline.

 Set up a series of targets as shown in the

diagram. This will help the player to aim for the
desired position.

 The player will hit all forehands by stepping

around and hitting the shot aiming at the
targets.

Details:
For advanced competitive players it is important to
develop a “Big Shot”!

For most players a big forehand and serve is

required to compete at the highest levels.

Teaching the player when to go for it and when to

hold back is the key to any good game plan.
Encourage consistency, correct footwork, and
proper technique when performing this drill.

Feed 15 - 20 balls, rest, evaluate, instruct and

repeat as many times as long as the quality of both
the shot and footwork remains high.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #5

Opening Up the Court with Angles From the Middle of the Court

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:

This drill involves trying to open up the court from

the first shot and requires accuracy in hitting an
angle from the centre of the court.

Andre Agassi is the best player at doing this. He

will hit a short topspin angle wide opening up the
court for a down the line shot or wrong footing the
player by going behind them back cross court.

Variation 1
Instruction:

Many times it is the player to control the rally from

the first shot who wins the point.

Often after hitting the serve, while positioned in the

centre of the court, the player must be able to hit
accurately to one of the corners and away from
their opponent.

The player will position themselves just behind the

baseline in the centre.

Alternate feeding balls to their forehand and

backhand.

Variation 1:
Variation 2 Have the player hit their shots cross court.

Variation 2:
Have the player hit down the line.

Variation 3:
Hit two shots cross court and the next two down
the line. Alternate with two each side.

Variation 4:
Hit to either corner with no set pattern.

Details:
The coach can change the shot being worked on
by changing the players’ position; or the coach’s
position on court.
Variation 3
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #6

Inside - Out Forehands Moving Across the Baseline

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
Develop the forehand into a weapon, develop the
inside-out forehand, work on correct footwork,
accuracy and consistency in making every shot.

Instruction:
 The player will start at the baseline in their
backhand corner.

 From here the coach will feed three balls as the

player moves across the baseline hitting
consistent forehands to a designated area on
the court.

 Once the player has hit three forehands and is

now positioned on the other side of the
Feed 1, 2, and 3. Running forehands
baseline, they will return back to the starting
position by hitting three inside-out forehands
cross court.

 This six ball drill involves three forehands hit to

anywhere in the singles court followed by three
inside-out cross court forehands.

Details:
This is one of the best drills for working on the
forehand once the correct grips and technique
have been developed.

Feed consistent mid-court balls and remember that

our goal is accuracy and aggressiveness together
with consistency from behind the baseline.

Rest when the quality of shot execution,

consistency and accuracy diminishes.

Andre Agassi practised this drill for hours on end to

develop his inside-out forehand.
Feed 4, 5, and 6. Inside – out forehands
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #7

Windshield Wiper Target Hitting

Player Level:
All levels
Include more variations of the drill as the skill of the
player increases.

Objective:
Develop both backhand and forehand movement
and skill level.

Instruction:
The player will start in the centre of the court at the
baseline.

They will move side to side hitting both forehands

and backhands with a specific goal in mind.

Variation 1:
Hit all shots cross court.

Variation 2:
Hit all shots down the line.

Variation 3:
Work on depth.

Variation 4:
Work on hitting angles.

Variation 5:
Alternate between cross court and down the line.

Variation 6:
Alternate between topspin and slice shots.

Variation 7:
Focus on consistency by setting a goal of 20 shots
in a row to be made.

Variation 8:
Target hitting.

Details:
Feed consistent deep balls side to side.

Aim for 20 balls, rest for 30 seconds, instruct and

set the next goal of where to hit the ball.

Run through all variations for advanced players.

Groundstroke Feeding Drill #8

Running Forehands

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced
Advanced players must hit with topspin and more
accuracy.

Objective:
Develop running forehands incorporating speed,
footwork and shot accuracy while off balance.

Instruction:
 As illustrated in the diagram, the player will
start at the cone just to the side of the centre
mark at the baseline.

 As the coach feeds the ball, the player must

take off from a set position and chase the ball
down.

 To cut off the angle, teach the player to move

across and forward to get to the ball.

 This is a drill for the more advanced players as

1 it requires a lot of speed, good footwork, a
topspin forehand and the ability to accurately
hit an angle back cross court or down the line.

Variation 1:
2 Hit a running topspin forehand back cross-court.

Variation 2:
Hit a running topspin forehand down the line.

Variation 3:
Alternate one forehand cross court, and the next
one down the line.

Details:
This drill requires some accurate feeding.

As the player improves on their speed and footwork

you can increase the difficulty of the feeds by
hitting with more pace, spin or angle.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #9

“Big Forehand”

Player Level:
Advanced

Objective:
This is one of those drills with a very specific goal
in mind. Developing a big forehand put away shot
and learning to “let it rip”!

Instruction:
 As the name suggests this drill is designed with
one goal in mind, and that is developing the
forehand into a “Big Shot”!

 I learned this drill from several of my German

friends who grew up with this drill as juniors
influenced by the big forehands of Boris Becker
and Steffi Graf.

 The player will position themself mid-court and

will just give it all they have as they step
around and hit their forehand into the court.

 The coach will set up targets cross court and

down the line. The coach will need to hit short
high bouncing feeds.

 Allow sufficient time in between each feed for

the player to recover and return back to their
starting mid court position.

 Instruct the player that the goal is not

consistency so much, but just getting the feel
for what it is like to step around and hit that big
forehand.

Details:
Watch how Agassi, Roddick, Hewitt and Federer
step around to hit those short forehands cross-
court and you will see why this drill is important to
the advanced players at the competitive level.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #10

Forehand and Backhand Drop Shots

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players

Objective:
Learn to develop that “touch” or “soft hands”! Allow the racket to become an extension of your arm and learn
to have the touch to mix drop shots in with your power shots.
Mastering drop shots is a definite must if playing on clay courts.

Instruction:
 Developing specific skill shots such as a drop shot are important in adding more shots to your repertoire.

 The drop shot is a lower percentage shot but is a definite must for all advanced competitive players.

 If you can open up the court or pin your opponent back deep, then having a drop shot will give you
another shot to work with.

 As you move further away from the net towards the baseline, the risk is increased in making a successful
drop shot.

 Have the player start up close to the net inside of the service line and hit their first round of drop shots
from this position.

 As their skill level and touch improves then you can slowly move them back.

 Teach the player to use the correct grip, hitting a soft touch drop shot.

 A good drop shot should bounce at least twice before the service line. Any ball bouncing over the service
line on one bounce will give their opponent a chance of getting to the ball.

 Teach your students to come underneath the ball and “caress” it.

Variations:
Variation 1: Have the player try to hit drop shots into a bucket.

Variation 2: Hit the drop shot cross court.

Variation 3: Hit the drop shot down the line.

Variation 4: Hit the drop shot from a set position.

Variation 5: Have the player start from the baseline. Feed a drop shot and have the player execute a drop
shot in reply. This is a great tactical time to use a drop shot.

Variation 6: If you have multiple players, have one player stand behind the baseline. Their role is to try and
retrieve the drop shot once it is hit. After one player has hit several shots then switch roles. The player trying
to get to the ball is working on speed.

Details:
Intermediate - Advanced
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #11

Forehand and Backhand Lobs

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players

Objective:
The lob is a shot that requires specifically practising the shot. You cannot develop a great lob by just hitting
groundstrokes. You must set a specific goal as in the variations outlined below and work on that shot until
you have mastered it. Use this drill to add an effective lob to your arsenal.

Instruction:
 From the baseline, feed to one or two players.
 Each player will work on improving or developing an effective lob.
 Start off by feeding easy higher bouncing balls assisting the player in learning to get a feel for the ball. As
they improve then you can feed more difficult balls.
 Include all variations as described below in learning how to hit the lob.

Variations:

Variation 1: High defensive lob.

Variation 2: Heavy topspin lob.

Variation 3: Accuracy hitting the lob cross court or down the line.

Variation 4: Hitting the lob on the run.

Variation 5: Hitting the lob off a flat or spinning ball.

Variation 6: Alternating between forehand and backhand lobs.

Variation 7: Alternating between offensive and defensive lobs.

Variation 8: Hitting lobs from a player hitting an overhead at you.

Details:
A player without an effective lob will always have a weakness in their game so it is up to you, the coach, to
teach players how to hit the lob.

Start off slowly with easy feeds and then progress with spins, placement and running lobs.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #12

Alternating Forehand and Backhand Shots

Player Level:
Advanced

Objective:
To be able to hit every forehand and backhand
shot in the game, thus allowing you to be the
“complete player”!

Instruction:
Start with either forehands or backhands and work
on that one shot before changing.

Alternate Between Hitting the Following Shots:

1. Forehand cross court

2. Forehand down the line
3. Forehand topspin lob
4. Forehand defensive lob
5. Forehand drop shot
6. Forehand “Big shot”
7. Forehand approach shot

Once you have completed several rounds on the

forehand side then repeat with the backhand.

This drill will show up any weaknesses and allow

you to work on specific shots in the future.

Details:
Once you have covered all of these shots
individually you can incorporate them all into one
drill.

This drill will help the player to switch from a power

shot, to a touch shot, topspin to slice, cross court to
down the line and working on the change of grips.

You can make it even more difficult by setting goals

with the number of shots to be made or number of
targets to be hit.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #13

Slice Backhands

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players

Objective:
The slice backhand is an important weapon for all players to develop.

Slice backhands can be used as effective low bouncing approach shots on fast courts. It is a difficult ball to
read on a slow clay court and a great shot to throw in to upset your opponents’ rhythm during topspin rallies.

Instruction:

After teaching your players how to hit their backhand drive, you will want to progress to the one-handed
backhand slice. Whether you have a one-handed or two-handed backhand drive, you must also develop a
strong one handed slice otherwise you will struggle when reaching the higher levels of play.

 Teach the appropriate grip, swing, footwork and technique in hitting the shot.
 Instruct the player on the purpose of the slice backhand, how to use it and why they need to develop a
slice backhand along with their topspin drive backhand.

 Have the player start inside the baseline and feed slowly until they develop the strength required to hit
the shot.

 Be aware of the extra strength required as it may be too hard or advanced for some players.
 This manual is specifically drill related so we will leave the shot instruction up to you.
 Have the player then move back to the baseline and hit slice backhands either cross court or down the
line.

Variations:

1. Slice backhand down the line

2. Slice backhand cross court
3. Alternate between down the line and cross court
4. Work on the slice approach shot
5. Add the slice drop shot
6. Add the slice chip and charge return
7. Slice off a high bouncing ball
8. Slice off a low fed ball
9. Slice off a topspin feed
10. Slice off another slice backhand.

Details:
Once the correct grip and technique has been established, then you can have the player work on hitting the
slice backhand to a designated part of the court (eg. down the line or cross court).
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #14

Suicide Ground Stroke Drill (50 ball)

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players
Feed more difficult balls to the advanced players.

Objective:
This drill works on all groundstrokes and also on endurance while trying to maintain proper technique as the
player becomes fatigued. It will test the mental strength and determination of each player.

Instruction:

 The player will start in the centre at the baseline.

 The coach will then feed 50 balls all over the court making the player run sideways, forwards and
backwards, and incorporating multi-directional changes.

 The player must get to every ball on the first bounce even if they are just trying to get the ball back in
play.

 You will be able to feed more difficult balls to the players in better shape and those willing to give it their
all.

 This is definitely a “character” building drill and will show you the competitiveness and drive of each
individual player.

 Encourage the player through out the entire drill.

Details:
This is a fun and character building drill that should be included into your session every now and then.

Perform a proper warm-up of all shots prior to completing this drill.

Once the drill is over the player should be totally spent of all energy.
Encourage them to walk around the court and not to just lie down on the court.

This drill develops toughness in your players.

Groundstroke Feeding Drill #15

Working on Two Shots in the Same Drill with Multiple Players

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced Players

Objective:
Work on different strokes with each player while
feeding to both simultaneously.

Instruction:
 This drill starts with both players at the
baseline, one in the deuce court and the other
on the advantage side.

 Designate a certain shot to be worked on for

each player (see variations below).

 After feeding 20 balls to each player, have

Forehand topspin & slice backhand them switch sides and practise the other shot
that was designated for that side.

 Feed consistent balls appropriate for that

particular shot being worked on.

Variations:
(1) Player 1: Topspin forehands
Player 2: Slice backhands

(2) Player 1: Forehands down the line

Player 2: Backhands cross court

(3) Player 1: Forehand lobs

Player 2: Backhand lobs

(4) Player 1: Forehand drop shots

Player 2: Backhand topspin angles
Forehands down the line & backhands cross-court
(5) Player 1: Forehand defensive shot deep
Player 2: Inside-out forehands from the
backhand side.

(6) Player 1: Forehand approach shot

Player 2: Backhand approach shot

(7) Player 1: Forehand target hitting

Player 2: Backhand alternating between
topspin and slice.

Details:
Instead of having both players work on the same
shot at the same time, they can work on two similar
or totally different shots.

Forehand drop shots & backhand topspin angles Players will complete one shot and then switch with
their partner and work on the other shot.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #16

Bowtie Drill

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced players

Objective:
Work on court movement, both forwards and
backwards.

It also teaches the player to hit on the move and to

recover quickly after each shot.

Instruction:
1 3
 If you can picture the shape of a bowtie in your
mind, then you can picture the movement
patterns of this drill.

 This bowtie drill involves a lot of court

movement and hitting both backhands and
forehands.

 The coach will stand just inside the service line

and feed the four (or more) balls from this
2 4 position.

 Feed the four balls in this pattern with the

player starting at the baseline on the centre
mark.

1. Deep ball to forehand

2. Short ball to forehand
3. Deep ball to backhand
4. Short ball to backhand
5. Repeat pattern to same player or feed to the
next player in line.

Details:
This is a good drill for one player performing
multiple repetitions or feeding to one player at a
Player movement time in a group.

Adjust the pace and depth of your feeds depending

on the skill level and speed of each player.
Feeds
Adjust direction of feeds for left-handed players
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #17
Drop Shot and Lob Drill
Lobs are an effective way to help get your
opponent back off the net and prevent them from
closing in for a put-away volley.
Learn to hit both aggressive topspin and high
defensive lobs.
Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced players
Objective:
Learn to go from a touch drop-shot to a heavy
topspin offensive lob for a winner.
Instruction:
 This drill involves alternating from hitting a drop
shot (bringing opponent to the net) and then
following up with an offensive lob (winning shot
after bringing opponent in).
 Proper technique on both the drop shot and
topspin lob must have already being
established.
 Set up targets within the service box for where
the drop shot should land and also targets
deep into the court for where the lob should
land.
 A player must be able to construct a point
through many ways and this is one tactic that
they should be competent in executing.
Scoring:
Once the drill has been performed successfully
several times, start a scoring system.
3 points for every successful shot made in the
target area and 1 point lost for every unsuccessful
shot.
Score to 20 points
Details:
A good goal for a successful drop shot is if the ball
can bounce twice before it reaches the service line.
The topspin lob must clear the coach who will
reach up high towards the sky with their racket
after feeding the ball.
1. Feed to the forehand side first.
2. Then feed to the backhand side.
3. Alternate between forehand and backhands.
4. Feed to either side with no set pattern.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #18

Score “25”

Player Level:
Advanced players

Objective:
This is a great skill drill that involves both accuracy
and consistency with scoring included to add that
“match like” pressure of reaching a goal through
scoring.

Instruction:
 This is a groundstroke skill drill designed to
focus on depth, consistency and accuracy off
both sides.

 The coach will feed to either the forehand or

the backhand side with no set pattern.

Scoring:
Continually feed until the player either reaches + 25
points or -10 points.

If they reach -10 points first, then they must run 5

suicide sprints (see fitness drills book)
Zone 2
Lose 1 point
The player must try to get to + 25 points by one of
the following ways:

Ways to Earn a Point:

1. Hit deep in zone 1 and score 1 point
2. Hit a target and score 3 points
Zone 1 3. Hit 10 balls in a row and get bonus of 2 points
Score 1 point

Hit a target. Ways to Lose Points:

Score 3 points
1. Make an error and lose one point
2. Hit ball in zone 2 and lose 1 point
3. Miss 3 in a row and lose 2 points

Details:
For some players this drill will be straight forward as they
improve on their skill so move them around by making
the feeds more challenging.

Have the other players pick up the balls while they wait
for their turn and then change upon completion of the
drill.

All shots must be hit with proper technique and speed.

Do not allow the player to just float balls back over the
net.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #19

4 Ball Passing Drill

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced players

Objective:
Many players believe that they will just develop a
good passing shot if they have good
groundstrokes.

This drill will help to develop a player’s confidence

when faced with an aggressive net rushing player.

Instruction:
 One shot that is not practised enough is the
passing shot.

 The player will start at the baseline in the

middle.

 The coach will feed 4 balls from just inside the

service line in the centre.

 Alternate your feeds from forehand to

backhand.

 Once the player has hit passing shots with

some consistency then you can play the last
ball (fourth ball) out.

 As the coach, you will try to read their passing

shot and continue the point encouraging further
passing shots.

Variations:
1. Have the player hit all passing shots down
Hit down the line the line.

2. Have the player hit all passing shots cross-

Hit cross-court court.

3. Alternate from cross court to down the line

Coach’s Feeds passing shots.

4. Mix up shots - no set pattern.

5. Play out the last ball.

Details:
This drill takes time to master and should be included 6. Play out the last ball and score to 11.
into any program for advanced players.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #20

Running Forehand or Backhand, Touch the Cone, and Return to Home

Player Level:
Intermediate – Advanced players

Objective:
This drills works on running groundstrokes and
court movement. Encourage the agility and speed
components while hitting with correct technique
and shot execution.

Instruction:
 This drill combines hitting a ball on the run,
A
then sprinting forward to touch the cone with
your racket, back peddle to the home base
cone and then take off for another running
forehand or backhand.

 This drill combines multi-directional changes

and recovery.
B
 The coach will feed from the service line
B alternating between the two players.

 The players will start at the baseline with their

racket touching the cone.

Summary:
1. Start at home base cone (A).

2. Take off and hit a running forehand or

backhand.

3. Then sprint forward to cone (B) touching with

racket.

4. Back peddle to the home base cone (A).

5. Touch cone (A) and repeat drill.

Details:
If you have more than two players, feed 10 balls to
each player and then have them pick up while the
next two players complete the drill.

If the player is getting to the ball quite easily, then

feed wider or earlier prior to the returning to the
home base cone A.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #21

3 Ball Baseline to Net Movement (Defence to Offence)

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players

Objective:
Shot selection going from defensive to offensive.
Work on footwork and court movement.

Instruction:
This is a good drill if you have a group of players and want to keep them moving constantly.

All players will start in a single line at the base line from either the deuce side (A) or the advantage side (B).

Feeding Pattern:

(1) Deep ball to corner (defensive shot).

(2) Short approach ball landing mid court (approach shot).

(3) Short high ball bouncing inside the service box (put away shot).

Once the player has hit all 3 balls they will jog back to the end of the line while the next player has their turn.

Instruct each player on what shot you want them to hit off each ball as they move towards the net.

Repeat several times from the deuce side of the court and then start on the advantage side.

Details:
The coach needs to feed from behind the baseline in the directly opposite corner.

Allow the player to really go for their third and final put away shot.

Set up targets if necessary and introduce a scoring system giving points for each target hit or accurately
executing each shot.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #22

Take the Ball Early and On the Rise

Player Level:
Intermediate players

Objective:
Teach players how to play aggressively from the
baseline by taking the ball early and therefore:

 Improving players court position.

 Opening up available angles by contacting the

ball closer to the net

 Shortening the time the opponent has to react.

Instruction:
 Set up the court as illustrated.

 Coach feeds in a variety of balls challenging

the player to always move forwards to meet the
B
ball.

 Players must remain in front of the markers for

all shots.

 Include some high bouncing balls so players

get the feeling of taking the ball on the rise at
chest or shoulder height.

Progression:
Set up targets so players can practise generating
sharper angles.

Progress to “take the ball early and on the rise” live

ball drill.

Details:
1 – 4 players

Marker cones required

Groundstroke Feeding Drill #23

Home Base Drill

Player Level:
Intermediate players

Objective:
Improve playing shots on the move and emphasise
the importance of recovering back to the centre of
the court after every shot in a singles match.
A B

Instruction:
 Two players start standing together on the
centre mark.

 Coach begins by feeding in a running forehand

to Player A.

 After playing their shot player A recovers back

to the centre mark and coach feeds in a
running backhand to Player B who plays their
shot and recovers.

 Feed in 5 - 6 balls

Progression:
Progress to the home base live ball drill

Details:
2 – 4 players
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #24

5 Anywhere

Player Level:
Beginner – Intermediate players

Objective:
Generally speaking tennis players have to contend
with 5 different types of shots based on:

 Direction
 Speed
 Height
 Depth
 Spin

For young players who are learning the game this

is quite a challenge to understand all these
variables.

This drill will teach them to “read” the tennis ball

and adjust to the type of shot they are receiving.

Instruction:
Coach feeds in 5 shots to the player mixing up the
pattern of strokes.

Coach Should Consider:

 forehand or back hand
 deep ball or drop shot
 straight at the body or wide to the side line
 high ball or low ball
 topspin / backspin / side spin
 fast or moderate speed
 Challenge the players as many different ways
as possible.
 Begin the drill by calling out the type of shot
you will hit to help beginners identify what each
shot looks like.
 Progress by asking the players to “read” the
type of shot they are receiving by watching the
ball straight off the coach’s racket.

Details:
1 – 4 players
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #25

The 3 Gears

Player Level:
Intermediate - Advanced players

Objective:
Once a player has grasped the technical aspects of tennis, they must still “play the right shot at the right time.”
Improve shot selection in this controlled feeding drill.

Instruction:
Coach feeds in two fast, deep, wide shots; two moderate mid court shots; and two short, high, soft shots.
Alternate feeds between forehand & backhand. Players are to play the “right shot at the right time”
considering the time to defend & neutralise; build & attack the point through placement & depth: and kill and
put away the ball.

Feed 1
The coach feeds deep and wide to the
forehand. The player retrieves the ball
and the hits over the net with plenty of
margin for error.
Feed 2
The coach feeds deep and wide to the
backhand. The player retrieves the ball
and the hits over the net with plenty of
margin for error.
Groundstroke Feeding Drill #25

The 3 Gears

Feed 4 - Coach feeds moderate

Feed 3 – Coach feeds moderate paced
ball to the mid court. Player to attack paced ball to the mid court. Player
into corner and force a weak return. to attack into corner to force a
weak return.

Feed 5 – Coach feeds easy ball into Feed 6 – Coach feeds a high,
forecourt. Player steps and takes a slow lob. Player smashes for a
volley, angling it for a winner.
winner.
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