Different Strokes

Was this show before your time??

Oooh I like this one, too - challenging, so maybe for intermediate players and above.

Both players start at baseline. Coach feeds medium pace ball to ad side of Player A (deuce side if player is a lefty). Player A must return this ball with a cross court backhand. Point is played out.

• Repeat, but Player A must now hit an inside out forehand (cross court) on the first fed ball.
• Repeat, but Player A must now hit an inside in forehand (down the line) on the first fed ball.

This drill teaches the player the various options available to him/her and the consequences of each. Variations are endless, so use this construct to work on whatever shots or situations work best for your students.

Adapted from "Live Ball: Let Them Play!" by Oliver Stephens, TennisPro Magazine, Sept/Oct 2013