Session Plans

Session Overview

• Key focus areas: serve + first ball patterns, crosscourt consistency and direction control, transitioning forward, and pressure-based point construction.
• This session builds toward winning points by starting with controlled rally patterns, then layering decisions and scoring pressure so the player rehearses how to construct, recognise, and finish points.

Warm-Up

• 5 minutes mini tennis
• 2 minutes reflex volleying
• 2 minutes continental grip mini tennis
• 5 minutes baseline hitting

Main Drills

Drill 1: Crosscourt Control → Change Direction

• Setup: both players start on the baseline and begin with a cooperative crosscourt rally, first on the forehand side and then on the backhand side.
• Players: maintain 5 to 8 balls crosscourt minimum, then either player can change direction down the line. Once direction changes, the point becomes live.
• Coach: rally normally, match pace and height early, then gradually add pressure while punishing poor direction changes and rewarding good ones.
• Aim: build crosscourt consistency, learn when to change direction safely, and recognise the right ball to attack.
• Cues: height and margin crosscourt, change direction off a stable base, do not rush the trigger, recover quickly after going line.
• Competitive layer: first to 10 points. A player only wins the point if they initiate the direction change, with a bonus point if that change forces an error within 2 shots.

Drill 2: Serve + First Ball Patterning

• Setup: full points starting with serve, alternating server every 2 points.
• Players: server must play a clear first-ball pattern such as serve wide then next ball crosscourt, or serve body then next ball through the middle. Returner plays neutral but looks to disrupt the pattern. The point becomes fully live after the first 2 to 3 shots.
• Coach: serve realistically, return with intent to test the pattern, and adjust positioning to simulate different match scenarios.
• Aim: improve the ability to start points with intention, connect serve to first groundstroke, and repeat patterns under pressure.
• Cues: know your pattern before serving, first ball is about control not power, recover into the court after serve, returner neutralises first then builds.
• Competitive layer: first to 12 points. Server gets 2 points for winning within the first 3 shots using the pattern. Returner gets 2 points for breaking the pattern early and winning.

Drill 3: Approach + Net Decision Making

• Setup: baseline rally begins neutral and either player can approach off a short ball.
• Players: rally crosscourt or neutral until a shorter ball appears, then decide whether to approach or stay back. If approaching, they must commit to moving forward and finishing at net.
• Coach: vary depth and pace to create realistic approach opportunities, pass with intent when the opponent comes in, and occasionally approach to model good decision making.
• Aim: recognise short balls, improve the transition from baseline to net, and build confidence finishing points.
• Cues: approach with purpose, close the net after the approach, split step before the volley, and do not approach off a defensive ball.
• Competitive layer: first to 10 points. A player must approach at least once in the point to be eligible to win it, with a bonus point for winning within 2 shots after approaching.

Drill 4: Pressure Rally Game (Depth & Error Control)

• Setup: baseline rally starts neutral in the full singles court.
• Players: rally with the intention of pushing the opponent back. If a short ball is created, the point becomes fully live. Errors inside the first 4 shots are heavily penalised.
• Coach: apply consistent depth and pressure, test rally tolerance under stress, and gradually raise the tempo.
• Aim: improve rally tolerance, reduce early unforced errors, and build pressure through depth rather than risk.
• Cues: heavy through the middle or crosscourt, depth before direction, stay patient early in the point, recognise when the attack has been earned.
• Competitive layer: first to 12 points. Losing player loses 2 points if they miss within the first 4 shots. Winning player gains 2 points if they force an error after 6 or more shots of sustained pressure.

Match Play Integration

• Format: first to 15 points, win by 2.
• Every point starts with a serve.
• Server must call their intended pattern before serving, either quietly to themselves or casually.
• If a player gets a short ball inside the service line, they must either approach or hit aggressively. No passive shot is allowed.
• Optional last 10 minutes: sudden death tiebreak to 7 with double points for winning at net and for winning within the first 3 shots.
• Purpose: tie together serve intent, rally discipline, and finishing ability under real scoring pressure while still resembling normal match play.

Session Overview

• TBD.

Session Overview

• TBD.

Session Overview

• TBD.