Coaching Tip - May 2010

Plan Your Tennis Practice Sessions
    The best way to improve your tennis game is to practice the skills you have learnt during coaching sessions by training for one or two sessions per week.

    Preparation
    Before each practice session you should:
  • prepare mentally
  • warm up correctly

    • During each training session you should concentrate on the basics:
  • ready position
  • split step
  • footwork
  • preparation

    • Select your practice Partners(s)
    It is important to practice both forms of your tennis game so alternate your sessions to cover:
  • preparation for Singles
  • training for Doubles - a different game

    • When organising your practice sessions make sure that you train with players at different levels.
    There are many ways to gain valuable expererience by practicing against players with different styles and the resultant diverse situations.

    When practicing against a player of lower standard:
  • practice your weaknesses
  • experiment with setting the ball up and hitting the winner into the open court
  • vary your game style so that you can start to develop an alternate game plan
  • practice your approach shots and develop your net game by coming into the net

    • Training against a player at your own level:
  • work on relaxing under the pressure during practice and match play
  • focus on being competitive

    • Training against a player at a higher level:
  • keep the ball in play
  • play to your strengths

    • Benefit from your Practice sessions
    To get the most out of your practice sessions:
  • plan your practice and set your goals
  • practice as you want to play
  • be motivated and focused
  • add variety to your practice
  • get quality out of your session by practicing any skill or drill in short bursts to mimic match play
  • practice your strengths and your weaknesses
  • adapt the session to suit the level of your practice partner and yourself
  • don't be afraid to experiment and try new shots during your training sessions

    • Improve your overall tennis skills by practicing in organised training sessions several times a week.
    The extra training helps you develop the skills learnt during your Individual, group coaching or squad training sessions.

    Please contact me if you have any comments or queries in regard to Tennis practice sessions.

    Steve James
    HEAD coach
    Email steve.james@stevejamestennis.com