Develop Stroke Skills More Quickly

If you have players who are still developing stroke skills, it might be wise to take a successful page out of the European's training book.

Players are often afraid to try new mechanics, even in practice, because of their fear of hitting balls out of the court, into the net, over the fence, etc.

For decades, European coaches have used short-court tennis and low-pressure or foam balls to allow players to hit out while practicing new strokes.

By allowing players to try the stroke aggressively, without worrying about sending the ball out of control, players are able to develop the full mechanics much more quickly and effectively.

For example, having players work on slice approach shots or short-angled, crosscourt shots, which require quick racquet movements, is more likely to meet with success if the player hits out because he or she is not worried about hitting the frame.

Follow a progression that combines live-ball feeding, the graduate length method of learning and special equipment.

The drill continues with a five-step progression for learning and practicing this skill.