If any players are struggling to serve can use an adapted serve or players can do some beginner solo drills to help them learn the true basics of ball control. Remember the key part of this is to keep it FUN. Intersperse the skills with a fun movement activity to keep the interest levels high.
Demonstrate the 3 solo drills below to the players. If these exercises are easy for a particular group, then move through to the next one quickly. We suggest spending approx. 5 minutes on each one.
Safety Note: Define areas by using cones, tape, chalk etc.
The volley solo drill below will be the best to practice for the serve.
SOLO DRILLS:
- Bounce ball on racquet – F/H (progression can be changing from F/H to B/H, flipping over the racquet face).
- Hit ball against wall on the bounce – F/H & B/H 5 or 10 consecutive hits.
- Hit ball against wall on the bounce with alternating F/H & B/H 5 or 10 consecutive hits.
- Hit ball against the wall with the volley (no bounce) – F/H & B/H 5 or 10 consecutive volleys.
- Hit ball against the wall with the volley (no bounce) with alternating F/H & B/H 5 or 10 consecutive hits.
- 10 alternating F/H & B/H corner hits – with bounce.
- 10 alternating F/H & B/H corner hits – with volley.
- Figure of 8 – with bounce (very advanced so do not suggest unless ready).
- Figure of 8 – with volley (very advanced so do not suggest unless ready).
MINI GAMES:
Quarter court/mini games: Mini rallies with an opponent. This can start as a cooperative rally to see how many balls can be hit consecutively together. Then switch it to rallies where juniors try to win.
KEY POINTS:
Recording time and targets is a great way to track a player’s progress and skill development over the season.
Solo practice is a fantastic exercise for all skill levels! Explain that even pro players solo practice (several times a week) to sharpen their skills.
- Coach should use this time to observe and correct.
- Go to each player individually and show encouragement and reward.
- Change ball difficulty depending on player’s level.
