Decision-making Drilling
Now let's move to the concept of decision making drilling. Once a series of binary shot selections are isolated, the next logical step is for players to try and successfully string several of them together. Here we see our players working off variable feeds, knowing that there are three optional shots which the machine will feed. If it's a shot, high mid court ball, they will hit a forehand winner, down the line or across court. If it feeds a high deep high backhand to the corner, the players will hit cross court with top spin, either deep or cross court to the side T.
In the third option of this sequence, if the machine throws a ball moderately deep to the left of the middle, the players will run around their backhands, and hit a forcing shot either reverse cross court, or down the line. And now we see our players putting it all together. They don't know which ball the machine will feed, but they have been training to have two choices for each of the possible three feeds, targets are set up to provide feed back, and each player hits three balls. Personally, I always like to give players one or two extra hits in a sequence, in case they miss their last shot. Finishing with success in shot sequences, as well as at the end of workouts helps build self confidence.
Another exercise to develop quick decision making abilities, is to have players at the net with the machine feeding balls of variable heights. The volleyer's are told that if the ball is lower with the net, they should aim put depth, and control. However, if the ball is high over the net, they are instructed to hit an angle winning volley. We have set up the air zone to initially provide definition as they develop their skills. The use of clearly defined and achievable target areas provides clear and scientifically measurable feed back. However, after increasing their recognition and decision making abilities. Take the air zone line away to help them transition this new skill more easily to match play. This type of practice also helps to effectively develop a player's ball recognition or perceptual anticipation skills. Ball recognition is the players ability to judge the ball and play, an essential ingredient to rapid improvement. Working with ballmachines allows the coach to work on the same side of the net as the players and guarantees consistent feeds, plus it also allows the coach to demonstrate the required skill using a convenient remote switch to turn the machine on and off.
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