Tennis is a fast game at competitive levels. Key number three is all about the time factor and how crucial a role it plays at higher-and-higher levels. Take a look at examples of drills that teach some important lessons about time.
In this exercise two players hit cross-court in the singles half court. The only exception is if a player contacts the ball with their feet inside the baseline, in that case they are allowed to hit down the line. If they do, the point is then played out in the entire singles court.
How does this drill help players use time in their favor? Simple! When you hit cross-court your recovery position is closer since it is diagonally opposite where you just hit, then you can prepare early for the next shot. Cross-court patterns are a surefire way to put the time factor on your side of the net.
In this exercise two players bounce hit and play singles points. The unique feature is to use cones or other guides to keep one player inside the baseline at all times. That player quickly learns to take balls on the rise and out of the air. This speeds things up for the player inside the baseline and shortens response time for the opponent across the net.
This last exercise was a simple drill with rules that teach automatically. Now let's move to another drill that teaches about closing in and hitting the now popular swing volley.
In this drill you select a number of ground strokes for one player to hit after which they must move into the net. In this example Kalindy has to come in after two shots. If she wins the point on a swing volley she gets three points. All other points count for one.
Swing volleys are effective because they take time away from her opponent.
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