Planning Practices

A consistent practice format offers players a routine that allows them to effectively manage their on-court time and provides the best possible workout.

I. Elements of a Model Practice

...A. On-Court Warm-Up
.......i) Light hitting; mini-tennis; GLM

...B. Warm-up and Stretch
.......i) Dynamic, not static stretching
.......ii) Conditioning drills
.......iii) Medicine ball
.......iv) Mini-tennis

...C. Practice Previously-Learned Skills

...D. Teach and Practice New Skills

...E. Practice Under Matchplay Conditions
.......i) Competitive, live-ball drills with points
.......ii) Tie-breaks
.......iii) Matches

...F. Conditioning
.......i) Sprints, plyometrics, footwork, jump ropes, medicine balls, ab rollers etc speed, agility, power, etc.

...G. Cool-Down
.......i) Walking, jogging or stretching
.......ii) Static stretching here

II. Build Tactics into Practices

During "D" above...

Step #1 — Tactical Set-Up
......i) Show players a common tactical situation they'll see in matches (e.g., One-up/One-back; mid-court volley; approaching opponent)
......ii) Have them play points or drill trying to solve the tactical situation, without instruction from the coach

Step #2 — Break and discuss tactical solutions to this problem

Step #3 — Go back to drill, with players practicing the new tactical solutions

Step #4 — Break for technical work related to the new tactical solution (e.g., Tactical solution requires groundstroke depth. Technical work on this.)

Step #5 — Go back to drill, having players use their new tactical and technical skills

Move to "E" above and finish practice progression