Coach's Clipboard
Grab those clipboards and find a pen because here are some warm-ups, routines and coaching hints that you may want to write down. Whether you are a Coach or a Player I hope you may find this series a help.
If you missed some routines then check out the Routine Library
STRETCHING
Remember to get your group to stretch before you work them.
RETURNERS WARM-UP
Players in pairs working with each other, one as the catcher and one as the returner. Catcher stands on the service line facing the net. His/her partner (returner) stands on the baseline opposite and over the net from the catcher and facing him/her. The returner stands with feet shoulder width apart standing on the baseline. He/she has a ball alongside him on the baseline (F/H side). Returner puts his/her racket behind the ball and has to flick it up so it goes over the net and their catcher catches it. He/she then puts another ball down on the baseline, sets him/herself up and repeats the stroke. Returners must bend both legs in order that their racket gets down to the ball, and they must straighten their legs as they `flick` the ball up. Encourage this and a complete follow through as well. Repeat on the backhand (B/H) side as well and swap players over.
In order to encourage more body rotation, have the returners place the balls a little further behind them before attempting to `flick` them over.
This Months topic - RETURNS FOR SERVES DOWN THE CENTRE LINE FROM A SERVE & VOLLEYER
THIS MONTH'S HINT
When teaching a return it is important for players to know precisely where their target is for any serve that is hit to them. So that when the serve is played the returner is playing it to the chosen target automatically.
TEACHING POINTS
Returners, having decided their targets from the serves which might come from their opponent, now must set themselves up correctly to be well prepared. They must be facing the server, they must be aware where the server is serving from (some servers go further out to create more angle).
As most serves keep low relative to the height the serve is hit from, except perhaps the kick serve, the returner must be in a low crouched position in preparation for this. He/she must try and maintain this position leading right up to the stroke they are about to make. As they hit they must uncoil their body straightening and lifting, moving into the ball.
Hitting back a powerful serve which gives the returner less time to react, requires the returner to shorten his/her take back but still hit through the ball with full follow through.
A good returner will stand back and yet make contact with the ball moving forward into it. He/she will also capitalise on their good return by following return in, or being prepared for the ball coming back, before it actually does! Remember if you hit a return that has the server/volleyer stretching or hitting up, you must close into the net so that you can hit that ball down for a winner. So many times players will play fantastic returns or groundstrokes to have the server/volleyer/opponent "dig" it back over which the player then is forced to continue in the `rally`! The shot which the opponent "digs" up was the one that should have been put away.
E-Mail Coach
Need some help? Get in touch with me. Whether its technical or tactical send me a note at nwtstennis@last.sol.co.uk.
BEST PUPIL
If you have a youngster at your Club or Centre that you think deserves a mention then this is the place to come. Post in his/her details and photo and I will put it on line. They only have to be the best in the Club, not necessarily in the world!! to achieve a mention, so come on all you Coaches let me hear from you.
from The Nigel Watson Tennis School and Club.
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