Tennis Drill Sheet

Drill Name: Forehand Cross Court Controls

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Dartfish.tv - Forehand Controls, Level 2 -3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662536

00:01 Level 2, Forehands Crosscourt Controls

This is a Level 2, Forehand Crosscourt Control drill with both players
at the baseline. This is a cooperative live ball drill that focuses on
developing consistency, placement, depth, spin and angle during a
crosscourt rally. Level 2 players can strive to make sets or 20
repetitions in a row.

00:13 Recovery Position

Since the rally is crosscourt, it is important that the player does not
recover to middle but slightly to the add side so they split the
possible angles of the opponents shot.

00:22 Crosscourt Target

This is a solid target for the players hitting crosscourts. She has
plenty of margin from the sideline and baseline. Players should avoid
making any mistakes wide or in the net during live ball drills.

00:55 Simple Variation

A simple variation is described that allows for either player to change
direction and hit the ball down the line either ending the point or the
point can be played out full court from then on. Notice that Emma
has recognized the short ball from Jada and stepped up into the
court to hit the shot down the line.

It is important for player to change direction by aiming for a deep

target and avoid trying to hit the ball too close the line. When hitting
the ball down the line he or she must recover the to deuce side of
the court quickly to stay in the point if playing it out.

2 of 3 7/22/2011 1:49 PM
Dartfish.tv - Forehand Controls, Level 2 -3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662536

00:58 Level 3, Forehands Crosscourt Controls

This is a Level 3, Forehand Crosscourt Control drill with both players
at the baseline. This is a cooperative live ball drill that focuses on
developing consistency, placement, depth, spin and angle during a
crosscourt rally. Level 3 players can strive to make sets of 50 balls in
a row and should be able to focus on advanced tactics such as on
taking the ball on the rise, faster racket speed and short angles after
establishing depth and consistency.

01:19 Recovery Position

Since the rally is crosscourt, it is important that the player does not
recover to middle but slightly to the deuce side so they split the
possible angles of the opponents shot.

01:30 Crosscourt Target

This is a solid target for the players hitting crosscourts. He has
plenty of margin from the sideline and baseline. Players should avoid
making any mistakes wide or in the net during live ball drills.
Advanced Level 3 players can hit to high percentage targets with
heavy amounts of spin to pull their opponents out of position and
force errors without taking much risk.

02:19 Simple Variation

A simple variation is described that allows for either player to change
direction and hit the ball down the line either ending the point or the
point can be played out full court from then on. Notice that Raymond
has recognized the opportunity ball from Dennis and stepped up into
the court to hit the shot down the line.

It is important for player to change direction by aiming for a deep

target and avoid trying to hit the ball too close the line. When hitting
the ball down the line he or she must recover the to deuce side of
the court quickly to stay in the point if playing it out.

Advanced players can increase their margin by hitting shots with

combinations of topspin and sidespin that curve back into the court
when changing direction or when hitting passing shots down the line.

3 of 3 7/22/2011 1:49 PM
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Backhand Cross Court Controls

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Dartfish.tv - Backhand Controls, Level 2 - 3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662535

00:01 Level 2 - Backhands Controls

This is a Level 2, Backhand Crosscourt Control drill with both players

at the baseline. This is a cooperative live ball drill that focuses on
developing consistency, placement, depth, spin and angle during a
crosscourt rally. Level 2 players can strive to make sets or 20
repetitions in a row. Players should hit forehands inside-out if the ball
comes through the center of the court. The slice backhand should be
used when players are in a defensive position, to change rhythm or
to challenge the opposing the player with shots low in the strike
zone.

00:06 Recovery Position

Since the rally is crosscourt, it is important that the player does not
recover to middle but slightly to the add side so they split the
possible angles of the opponents shot.

00:13 Crosscourt Target

This is a solid target for the players hitting crosscourts. She has
plenty of margin from the sideline and baseline. Players should avoid
making any mistakes wide or in the net during live ball drills.

00:34 Hit Forehands When Given the Chance

If a ball in the rally comes to the player’s forehand they should hit a
forehand inside-out to the opponents backhand and avoid running
around the forehand to hit backhands only. A simple variation of this
drill is to have one player hitting all forehands from the add side while
the opponent hits mostly backhands.

2 of 3 7/22/2011 1:35 PM
Dartfish.tv - Backhand Controls, Level 2 - 3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662535

00:42 Level 3 - Backhand Controls

This is a Level 3, Backhand Crosscourt Control drill with both players
at the baseline. This is a cooperative live ball drill that focuses on
developing consistency, placement, depth, spin and angle during a
crosscourt rally Level 3 players should strive to make sets of 50
balls in a row and should be able to focus on advanced tactics such
as on taking the ball on the rise, increased racket speed and short
angles after establishing depth and consistency. The slice backhand
should be used when players are in a defensive position, to change
rhythm or to challenge the opposing the player with shots low in the
strike zone.

00:56 Recovery Position

Since the rally is crosscourt, it is important that the player does not
recover to middle but slightly to the add side so they split the
possible angles of the opponent's shot.

01:01 Crosscourt Target

This is a solid target for the players hitting crosscourts. He has
plenty of margin from the sideline and baseline. Players should avoid
making any mistakes wide or in the net during live ball drills. Level 3
players can hit to high percentage targets with heavy amounts of
spin to pull their opponents out of position and force errors without
taking much risk.

01:26 Simple Variation

A simple variation is described that allows for either player to change
direction and hit the ball down the line either ending the point or the
point can be played out full court from then on. Depending on the
coach's focus for the practice and the player's ability, the players
could use either inside forehands or outside backhands with strong
court position to hit down the line.

3 of 3 7/22/2011 1:35 PM
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Two on One – 2 Crosscourt 1 Down the Line

3 1 2

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Dartfish.tv - 2 On 1 - Level 3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662534

00:02 Level 3, Two on One Drill

This is a Level 3, 2 on 1 Drill with all three players at the baseline.
We will demonstrate three different variations of the same drill in the
same format but with a different purpose. This is a cooperative, live
ball drill that is a physical drill as the single player is covering the
entire court while the group of two are covering only half the court.

00:11 Variation 1 - 2 Crosscourt, 1 Down the Line

In the first variation of the 2 on 1 Drill, the player that is alone will
maintain a pattern of 2 shots crosscourt followed by one shot down
the line. The players on the two side will hit everything moderately
crosscourt while maintaining a balance between cooperating with
the single player and challenging him to cover the whole court as he
executes the pattern.

00:43 Crosscourt Target

This is a solid target for the single player hitting to the crosscourt
target. He has plenty of margin from the sideline and baseline.
Players should avoid makingany mistakes wide or in the net during
live ball drills.

00:46 Down the Line Target

It is important for the single player to change direction by aiming for
a deep target and avoid trying to hit the ball too close the line. When
Raymond hits the ball down the line from this position he must
recover the to add side of the court quickly to maintain the pattern. In
a point situation, when players choose to change direction, they need
to maintain a lead in the point by changing with depth or spin to avoid
being out of position on the next shot.

2 of 3 7/22/2011 12:24 PM
Dartfish.tv - 2 On 1 - Level 3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662534

00:51 Variation 2 -Slice Backhand Only

In the second variation of the 2 on 1 Drill, Dennis will hit only slice
backhands to the target of his choice. Raymond and Eduardo will
keep the ball lower (Dennis would normally use his two hander on
higher balls) and use pace and to allow Dennis to practice the slice
backhand. The key to the drill is maintaining a balance between
cooperating with the single player and challenging him to defend and
recover.

01:46 Variation 3 - Only Forehands

This is a Level 3 - Two on One Drill with all three players at the
baseline. The single player may hit only forehands to the target of his
or her choice. The two players should attempt to play with more
pace to the forehand side and less pace to the backhand to allow
the single player enough time to run around their backhand.

It is important for the single player to work on various types of

forehands using different amounts of spin, pace, and targets while
receiving the ball in the optimum strike zone to be offensive. Since
this drill is focused on weapon development, the player should
maintain maximum racket speed at all times which may cause more
errors than during a typical two on one drill.

3 of 3 7/22/2011 12:24 PM
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Side to Side

1 2

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Deep / Short: Forehand “V-Drill”

1 2
2

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Deep / Short: Backhand “V-Drill”

2 1
2

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Side / Deep / Short: 3 Way Forehand

1 2 3
3

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Side / Deep / Short: 3 Way Backhand

3 1 2
3

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Run Around Forehands with Cone

3 1 2

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Side / Deep / Short: Back Hand Slice w/ Running Forehand

34 1 2

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Dartfish.tv - Level 2-3, Backhand Slice Progression, Hand Fed Page 2 of 2

00:00 Level 2, Slice Backand Progression,

Hand
This a level 2 Slice Backhand Progression with two
progressions. In the first progression, the player starts in
the middle of the service box and the coach is in a similar
position on the other side of the net. In the second
progression the player moves back behind the service line
and the coach stays up at net. The purpose of the drill is
to familiarize the player with the grip, swing path and feel
for the slice backhand in a controlled environment.

00:08 Progression 1
In the first progression, the coach is hand feeding balls to
the player in the middle of service box from the other side
of the net. The player is choked up on the grip with a
continental grip and her non-dominant hand cradling the
throat of the racket. The player should prepare by taking
the racket back above her bottom hand with a unit turn
and a square stance and take a small step forward as she
hits the ball back into the coach’s hand. If the player has
trouble keeping the head of the racket in the proper
position during the stroke the coach should have them
play the ball crosscourt.

00:58 Progression 2
In the second progression, the coach asks the player to
move back behind of the service line and repeat the first
drill with a greater distance to the coach. Now the player
may have to use some minimal movement to adjust to the
incoming shot. If the player establishes the proper shot
mechanics, they should continue to back up towards the
baseline and slide the hand down on the grip to a typical
position to continue to develop the correct technique.

01:20 Level 3, Slice Backand Progression,

Racket
This is a Level 3, Slice Backhand Progression. The player
is positioned at the baseline and the coach is at the
opposite service line using racket feeding. The purpose of
the drill is to challenge the player to cover the court while
hitting wide forehands and slice backhands. As the player
improves their court coverage and slice backhand
technique, the coach can challenge them further by
making the feeds more difficult or by making the feeds
random.

http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m851762 12/16/2011
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Forehand / Backhand Volleys

Coach

2 1

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Forehand / Backhand Volley and Overhead Combo

1 23
4

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Dartfish.tv - Forehand and Backhand Volley Racket L1-L3 Page 2 of 3

00:07 Forehand and Backhand Volley L1 –

L3
This is a Level 1, Forehand and Backhand Volley Drill that
has four progressions. This progression begins with hand
feeding and evolves to racquet feeding and finally live ball
vs. coach. Although this drill is being demonstrated on a
78 foor court, it can be done on a 36 or 60 foot court with
the appropriate racquet and ball for 10 and under players.

00:13 Progression 1, Forehand Volley

The player should use a Continental grip for the volley and
should choke up to just above the handle to give the
player better control of the racquet face. The Continental
grip is essential for net play as it allows the player to use
one grip for the forehand and backhand volley as well as
the overhead. The outside (right) foot should be pointed
toward the sideline and the racquet prepared out in front.
The player steps forward with the left foot and blocks the
ball back into the left hand of the coach simulating a down
the line volley.

01:15 Progression 2, Backhand Volley

Just as on the forehand side, the player will be choked up
with a continental grip and the non dominant hand on the
throat of the racquet with the outside foot pointing toward
the sideline and the racquet prepared out in front with a
slight shoulder turn. Once the coach hand feeds the ball,
the player steps forward with the right foot and blocks the
ball back into the hand of the coach simulating a
crosscourt volley.

01:55 Progression 3, Backhand Volley with

Hand Behind the Back
Coaches with players that have a two handed backhand
often have trouble hitting a one-handed volley can use this
drill to help isolate the right hand and improve volley
technique. The player starts as they did in the previous
drill but now with the non-dominant hand behind the back
as they hit the shot.

http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m677049 12/14/2011
Dartfish.tv - Forehand and Backhand Volley Racket L1-L3 Page 3 of 3

02:05 Progression 4, Alternating Forehand

and Backhand Volley
Now that the player has a good feel for the forehand and
backhand volley separately, the coach can first racquet
feed alternating volleys to the player at mid-service box
and then rally volley to volley with the player in a
cooperative manner. The player can continue to volley
while choked up on the racquet and then progress to
volleying with the normal grip position. The graphics
illustrate the pattern of footwork previously mentioned
where the weight is first put on the outside leg and then
transfered forward to the inside leg as contact is made.

02:48 Level 2, Forehand and Backhand

Volley
This is a Level 2, Forehand and Backhand Volley Drill that
is slightly more advanced than Level 1 as the player is
positioned closer to the service line and the coach is
racquet feeding from the opposite service line. The player
is now only slightly choked up on the grip and begins with
alternating volleys right away. The technical emphasis is
again is to step out with the outside leg and then forward
with the inside leg as the player makes contact. The coach
can progressively challenge the player with greater levels
of movement as they continue to improve.

03:42 Level 3, Forehand and Backhand

Volley
This is a Level 3, Forehand and Backhand Volley Drill that
is very advanced as the player is hitting a variety of
closing volleys with an advanced level of movement while
covering the entire court. The coach is positioned on the
opposite baseline and feeds alternating volleys to
challenge the player. The player has been instructed to
volley the first shot crosscourt so they can practice
following the shot into the net with the correct positioning.

http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m677049 12/14/2011
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Return Progression

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Side / Deep / Short: Half X Forehand

21

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Side / Deep / Short: Half X Backhand

1 2

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Side / Deep / Short: Full X

21 34

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Dartfish.tv - Level 2-3, "X" Drill, Hand Fed Page 2 of 3

00:01 Level 2, “X” Drill, Hand Fed

This is a Level 2, “X” Drill using hand feeding where the
player is at the baseline and the coach is just in front of
the service line. The purpose of the drill is to teach correct
footwork and shot selection, while moderately moving
diagonally in all directions working on defending,
neutralizing and attacking. The coach should allow the
player to recover with a split step after hitting each shot.

00:09 Movement Pattern

The pattern of movement for the “X Drill” (for right handed
players as shown) is first a deep forehand, second a short
backhand, third a deep backhand and forth a short
forehand.

00:20 Taking Ground

When the player receives the shorter feeds they should
take a diagonal into the court and use the square stance
to hit the ball either down the line or with a short angle. It
is important that the player gets up to the shot quickly to
hit it before it begins to drop. It is also important that the
coach does not feed the short balls too short as the player
would normally progress to the net from positions inside of
three quarter court.

00:29 Giving Ground

When the player receives the deeper feeds they should
take a diagonal back from baseline and use the semi-open
stance to hit the ball with heavy topspin either crosscourt
or deep and down the center to neutralize the shot. The
coach may toss lower balls that bounce beyond the
baseline to push the player back but should not toss the
ball too high as the player should take those balls on the
rise.

http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m851771 12/16/2011
Dartfish.tv - Level 2-3, "X" Drill, Hand Fed Page 3 of 3

00:46 Level 3, “X” Drill, Hand Fed

This a Level 3, “X” Drill that is essentially the same drill as
the Level 2 Drill but done with advanced levels of diagonal
movement in all directions. Once the player demonstrates
competency in all four directions the coach may choose to
make the feeds random or dependent or the shot
execution of the player. For example if the player is
pushed deep and hits a short reply the coach will continue
to push them back deep until they produce the correct
response and then they would receive a short ball.

01:21 Isolation
When Jose sees that Kennedy has trouble using a
crossover step to initiate the movement to her deep
forehand, he isolates that skill by feeding that single shot
to her until she gets it right.

http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m851771 12/16/2011
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: 4 FH’s: 2 Inside-out / 1 Inside-in / Running Cross-court FH

34 1 2

1 2 3
4
Parameters based Learning Outcomes
Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 Drill Name: Simple Controls (Call the Bounce)

Deep

Deep

Short

Short

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Dartfish.tv - Simple Controls L2 - L3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662540

00:00 Level 2, Simple Controls

This is a Level 2, Simple Control drill down the center with both
players at the baseline. This is a cooperative live ball drill that
focuses on developing consistency, placement, depth, spin and
footwork during a rally through the center of the court. This is a
typical warm-up drill to get into a good rhythm and get a feel for the
speed of the court. Level 2 players can strive to make sets of 20
repetitions in a row.

00:11 Use the Square or Semi-Open Stance

When players are hitting through the center of the court we
recommend a square or neutral stance as often as possible. Players
should be exaggerating their footwork in the simple control drill
constantly working to strike the ball in the proper stance with the
optimal point of contact.

00:24 Center Target

Level 2 Players should be able to consistently hit the ball past the
service line and through the center of the court with appropriate
racquet speed and height to avoid making mistakes in the net. A
great teaching aid to help players visualize the proper height over the
net during a controlled rally is a rope strung about above the net

00:25 Simple Variation

A simple variation to this drill is to have one player hit through the
center while the other plays the ball to the whole court. The player
dictating from the center of the court can practice simple patterns
such as 2 to the backhand and one to the forehand or just randomly
move the player from side to side. This isolation vs. movement drill
can also be done with the player dictating from the deuce or add
courts.

2 of 3 7/22/2011 1:29 PM
Dartfish.tv - Simple Controls L2 - L3 http://www.dartfish.tv/Print.aspx?CR=p611c16718m662540

00:26 Level 3, Simple Controls

This is a Level 3, Simple Control drill down the center with both
players at the baseline. This is a cooperative live ball drill that
focuses on developing consistency, placement, depth, spin and
footwork during a rally through the center of the court. This is a
typical warm-up drill to get into a good rhythm and get a feel for the
speed of the court. Level 3 players can strive to make sets of 50
repetitions in a row.

00:46 Use the Square or Semi-Open Stance

When players are hitting through the center of the court we
recommend a square or neutral stance as often as possible. Players
should be exaggerating their footwork in the simple control drill
constantly working to strike the ball in the proper stance with the
optimal point of contact.

00:52 Center Target

Level 3 Players should be able to consistently hit the ball past the
service line and through the center of the court with an advanced
level of racquet speed and the proper height to avoid making
mistakes in the net. Level 3 Players should strive to take the ball on
the rise as often as possible and should be able to rally at a higher
speed and with greater pace than Level 2 Players.

00:52 Simple Variation

A simple variation to this drill is to have one player hit through the
center while the other plays the ball to the whole court. This isolation
vs. movement drill can also be done with the player dictating from
the deuce or add courts as illustrated in this example.

3 of 3 7/22/2011 1:29 PM
 Tennis Drill Sheet
Drill Name: Basic Serve Patterns- Deuce Court

2
1

Parameters based Learning Outcomes

Hands Feet Eyes & Mind

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3