6. Rhythm Skill Development.
The next millennium tennis concept we have selected is rhythm skill development. Since every single tennis ball comes with the unique speed across the net. For purposes of analysis and understanding, let's break these speeds into slow, medium and fast, relative to each player's ability. Each incoming speed requires a different response. The first step however is to figure out a player's personal rally speed.
Coaches can easily determine the rally speed of a particular player by timing several shots with the players hitting as fast a pace as possible without losing consistency. Then match the machine or feed tempo to a players natural rally speed, or general drilling, or use the rally speed as a reference point to create more challenging drills, or to create opportunities for players to play aggressively against slower balls. If the ball is fed to a players ball or rally speed, they will want to return it at the same pace. Strategically, they are patiently waiting for a slower ball or shorter ball to take advantage of. If the incoming ball comes at a faster speed, then they move to respond with more defensive shot, with focus on depth to keep their opponents from gaining a tactical advantage, and if it comes in at a slower speed, a player needs to recognize that slower speed as an opportunity to execute a more offensive shot.
Once they have mastered the individual responses, try drilling the players against in assortment of speeds to teach them to play against various type of opponents. Even for beginning players, it can be extremely productive. Introduce them to various speeds really in their development. The result is always in more versatile and adaptable player. An additional tool for developing improved rhythm is through the use of music with different rhythms. Studies have proven that music can significantly enhance the learning of sports skills.
Another important detail relating to rhythm is for players and coaches to remember to adjust the rhythm of the feeds to the positions of the players on the court. For example, when the player is at the net, every player feed times entirely different, and if they were hitting balls from the baseline, the chance should be the next ball when the players hit, passes the opening of the machine. Now our players are demonstrating the more complicated rhythm of the approach and volley. Notice that the feeds have been adjusted to accurately replicate the rhythm of wide ball drilling. All too often approaches, whether using a machine or feeding by hand, maintain the same feeding frequency whether a player is on the baseline or at the net. This mistake can actually be detrimental to player rhythm.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services