Notes & Homework 

Skill: Serving 

• Contact Point: Focus on contact point out in front approx 12-15” in front of front foot. 
• Weight Transfer: Load and rotate with weight transfering forward into your shot. 
• Hands: Soft loose continental grip 
• Swing: Low to high swing plane extending forward through the ball. Follow through at target.
• Depth: Contact closer to the body and extend forward for depth control. 

Drill: Partner to Partner Serves

• Place a line of cones 3 feet inside the baseline to create a depth target. 
• Players set up crosscourt from each other at the baseline.
•  Players take turns serving to their partner who catches ball and then serves it back. Focus is on consistency, form and hitting the service box. 
• Use depth targets as you get more proficient. 
• Tactical Takeaways: 
• Improved serve consistency and accuracy.
• Improved ability to play offensively with deep serves

Skill: Return of Serve

• Contact Point: Focus on contact point out in front approx 12-15” in front of front foot.
• Weight Transfer: Stepping forward with non paddle leg on forehand and paddle leg with backhand. Extending forward through the ball with weight transfer. This creates depth which is key for return of serve. 
• Hands: Reach out with non paddle hand on forehands like you are going to catch the ball. Separate hands like spreading your wings when hitting a 1 handed backhand. 
• Swing: Short Backswing- paddle butt to back hip. Swing plane to the side to initiate kinetic chain- not pendulum swing.

Drill:  Serve, Return Cooperation

• Players set up cross court at the baselines.
• Player 1 serves, Player 2 returns, Player 1 moves to catch the ball.
• Repeat 3 times then switch serve and return jobs.
• Perform multiple rotations from both odd and even sides of the court.
• Add depth cones for an extra challenge