Notes & Homework

Skill: Ground Strokes

• Contact Point: Approx 12-15” in front of front foot.
• Weight Transfer: Load and Rotate. Extending forward through the ball.
• Hands: Reach out with non paddle hand on forehands.
• Swing: Short Backswing- paddle butt to back hip. Swing plane to the side to initiate kinetic chain- not pendulum swing.

Drill: Bounce Hit

• Players set up 1 at the baseline and 1 at the NVL.
• Player at NVL hand tosses a ball focusing on good form and good finish out in front.
• Baseline player must call out BOUNCE when ball bounces and HIT when they contactball.
• Hit controlled ground stroke to partner who catches the ball.

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:  Return Collector

• Place a line of cones 3 feet inside the baseline for a depth target.
• Players set up cross court from each other on the baselines.
• 1 player serves and 1 player hits returns back to server.
• Both server and returner are focusing on accuracy and depth.
• Players count how many returns they get in the cross court service box in the 1 min rounds.
• Use depth targets as players get more proficient.
• Tactical Takeaways:
  • Improved accuracy and consistency with serve and return.
  • Improved ability to play offensively with deep serves and returns.