How to Perfect Technical Tennis Drills

Everyone knows the right thing s to do on a tennis court--the things they want to do under ideal circumstances. But we all know things don’t always go as planned on the court. There are innumerable techniques to employ when shots are flying, tempers flairing, and the all-around general game has become unglued. Here are three drills--one for practice and two for a match-play--that are guaranteed to put your game solidly on the road fast recovery.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. For practice--Mini-tennis. Whether coming out on the court for the first time in a week or a year, make mini-tennis your first routine. Stand at the “T” where the service line and center line intersect. With your opponent positioned at the identical spot across the net, simply put the ball in play, keeping it within the service boxes. In effect, the service boxes comprise the court. It is not as easy as it looks, at first. Try hitting the cross court forehand and backhands. Keeping the ball in the box requires control, footwork, and timing--all skills essential to hitting from the baseline. As you are winding down the drill, start a mini-tennis rally and then continue to hit as you and your partner back-up toward the baseline. Feel the continuity of expanding the min-game to the pace and scale of the full court game. You will be surprised and maybe even inspired at how similar and connected the two games are. Whenever your full court game deserts you, make mini-tennis the first resort and you will be back to your skill level within minutes.

2. Footwork Drill. Contrary to all appearances, the source of power in your perfect ground strokes is footwork. The racket and swing, which we conventionally associate with power, is at the root of control. Bad footwork will foil control, too. If the ball is misbehaving, try the drill--whichever foot you are choosing to plant, say “Down” verbally, audibly--once that foot has been planted. Wait until you feel the planning of the foot on the ground, then audibly report the foot as “Down.” The conscious enactment of this simple exercise will automatically translate into shot that is not only within the court, but significantly deeper and closer to the baseline.

3. Tactical Depth. It is often said that we are always playing against ourselves. As you rally with your partner, notice where the ball is landing, relative to the baseline. Shots that are more than three feet within the far baseline are announced as “shallow.” Shots that are within that distance are announced as “deep.” Your job is never to have to announce two consecutive shots as “shallow.” Every shallow shot must be followed by a deep shot. Doing this drill makes one aware of what the ball is doing on the other side of the net. It makes people adjust tactically to what is happening. It is a confidence builder.