Game Strategies - Cautious Approach

Aim: To improve passing shots and decision making.

How: Player's 1 and 2 start at opposite baselines. Player 2 starts the drill by hitting the ball to player 1. Player 1 hits an approach shot. An approach shot is just a ground stroke but the player has the intention of following their shot into the net to try and win the point.

So player 1 is now positioned at the net, as the ball comes back to player 2 from the approach shot player 2 must now try and play a passing shot past player 1. Lobs are not allowed.

If player 2 is successful in passing player 1 then the players swap roles. However if player 1 returns the attempted pass then the rally continues until a player wins the point.

Players do not swap roles until player 2 hits a successful pass.

Progressions:

Player 2 has to hit a backhand passing shot
Start the drill as a normal baseline rally, then either player when ready can hit the approach shot and move forward towards the net. This brings in the element of surprise.

Coaching Points: