Drill Objective

Creation of a motion concept concerning the flap movement of the top-spin service.

Drill Description

The player is holding the ball in the left hand in a reachable distance in front of the right shoulder. Now, the player is performs the flap movement without dropping the ball (right-hander).

Drill Variations

• A partner is holding the ball in front of the playing arm of his/her partner

• Perform the flap movement with closed eyes

• Hit the ball with the hand in various spots (sidespin)

• Perform the same drill, but use your weak hand

Teaching Points

• Make sure to stand firmly

• The correct movement of the elbow is important

• The flap movement can be supported verbally by saying:

1. (elbow in the) “back” (of the head)

2. (elbow in) “front” (of the head)

3. “hit” (the ball)

Drill Objective

Creation of a motion concept concerning the jump service in three steps: 1. Runup. 2. Throw-off + run-up. 3. Regulated overall movement.

Drill Description

The players are standing on the court. The attack line functions as the base line.

Step 1: The players simulate the throw-off movement without a ball and try to internalize the take-off movement. The landing takes place on both legs in the attacking area.

Step 2: Instead of hitting the ball across the net, the players perform the service movement with their weak hand. Keep in mind to hit the ball in the highest possible spot.

Step 3: The players hit the ball across the net from variable positions and distances. Increase the distance of the run-up to the net as the net height is raised.

Drill Variations

• Support your run-up rhythm, verbally (stage 1)

• Vary your run-up direction (straight, curved); (stage 1)

• Use different types of balls (stage 2)

• Perform the overall movement with a tennis ball (stage 3)

Teaching Points

• Constantly increase the distance of the run-up and the run-up speed

• Variation in the throw-off techniques

Drill Objective

Accuracy

Drill Description

Perform a service against a wall and vary your distance from it (4-10 meters).

At the height of approximately 2.5-2.8m there are several targets attached to the wall (e.g., glue strip). Try to hit these targets and catch your ball before it hits the ground.

Drill Variations

• Instead of hitting the ball, throw it at the targets

• Increase the distance after successfully hitting the targets

• Perform an extra task before you catch the ball — extra tasks could include performing a 360° body rotation or putting both hands on the ground

• Perform a bump pass before you catch the ball

Teaching Points

• Improve your service accuracy by trying to hit smaller targets

Drill Objective

Accuracy

Drill Description

A and B are standing in a target area. Alternately, they serve the balls in such a way that the partner can catch the ball without leaving his/her area. Both vary their position.

Drill Variations

• Form a group of four. On both sides of the court, two players stand behind each other — the first player is server, and the second player is receiver. If the service was successful, the partners switch their positions.

• Vary your service technique

• Both players stand in the target area

• Perform a bump pass before catching the ball

Teaching Points

• Slowly increase the distance between the target areas

• Try different angles if straight-line service is being performed well

Drill Objective

The follow-up movement after the service into the field

Drill Description

Player A and B perform the throw-off simultaneously and hit the balls into a target area on the opposite field. The ball should be hit in such a way that the opponent isn’t able to catch it.

Drill Variations

• Instead of catching the ball right away, perform a vertical bump pass first and catch the ball afterward

• Competition with point count: signal is given for the throw-off

• First, practice this drill on one half of the longitudinal field

Teaching Points

• Slowly increase the distance between A and B (3m—6m—9m)

• The competition shouldn’t affect the serving technique

Drill Objective

Accuracy

Drill Description

The court is divided into six or more target areas (depending on the skills of the players). Every target area requires a certain number of trials. If the player is successful, he/she earns points.

Drill Variations

• Before performing the service, the player announces which of the target areas he/she will serve into

• Try different serving techniques

Teaching Points

• Depending on the level of performance, the sectors can vary in size

• Begin to practice one half of the court and proceed with practicing on the whole court

Drill Objective

Accuracy

Drill Description

Two players face each other. The net is divided into smaller sectors with the use of antennas. The players serve the ball to each other (through the net sectors). During the drill, the distance to the net is constantly increased.

Drill Variations

• Vary the size of the sectors (glue strip between the antennas)

• Practice different serving techniques

Teaching Points

• The side drift in the trajectory of the float service is easier to detect if extra lines (90° angle to the net) are put on the ground

• Suitable for competition, as well

• Form groups and serve simultaneously through the different net sectors

Drill Objective

Internalization of the right place of contact at the ball during service

Drill Description

A stands very close to the net (1-2m) and serves a ball across the lowered net to B, who catches the ball and passes it on to C (later bump pass). In the same time A serves the ball, player B passes a second ball to C, who passes it to A (via ground pass). C varies his/her position so that B has to pass the ball at different angles.

Drill Variations

• The distance between A and B is slowly increased

• Use different serving techniques

Teaching Points

• The intensity of hitting is important in regard to the relatively short time intervals

Drill Objective

Serving accuracy with additional challenges

Drill Description

Two players stand face to face. A has to serve precisely to B, who catches the ball, runs to the baseline and serves precisely back to A. Within the time B catches and runs back, A sprints...