Modern Tennis International

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Modern Tennis International presents

The Tennis Evolution Programme

MTI Grade 3 (Intermediate) lesson Plan Manual©

Lesson Rotation

The Tennis Evolution Programme

MTI Grade 3 (Intermediate) Lesson Plan Manual

By Andrew Magrath & John Littleford


Programme Notes – important please read first:

Thank you for opting to use the MTI syllabus and these lesson plan sheets.

We at MTI are committed to keeping tennis simple!

These lesson plans are designed to help you in planning, organising and

implementing your tennis practice session or lesson whether you are a player

practicing with a partner, parent with your child or a coach with pupil(s)

We would always encourage you to use the buddy coaching system with players

feeding each other with the use of the net extension kit. However, this may prove

difficult with younger children. In such circumstances, the use of helpers or parents

will prove useful.

MTI would advise you to use whichever ball or size court you deem

appropriate. Flexibility is ‘key’ here.

These lesson plans are generically designed for any court dimension and for any

tennis ball compression i.e. red, orange, green or yellow.

We realise that you may be governed by varying court space. For this reason, our

lesson plans are as flexible as you want them to be, but they will provide you with an

efficient guide.

Coaches - you can run different lesson phases running at the same time if you have

more than one coach. So on one court you could have lesson phase 1 being run at

the same time as lesson phase 2. At the same time, lesson phase 3 could be on the

adjacent court for example.

Though we would urge you to follow the MTI lesson format, (as shown below) we are

flexible on the choice of warm ups and fun games (for red 1 grades). We do have

separate product ideas for warm ups and conditioning.

The whole purpose of the MTI syllabus is to ensure that the basics (TTFF – Tracking,

Timing, Feel and Finish) are ‘bolted’ down before players progress to a higher class.

As denoted in the MTI syllabus sheets, players should be able to master the skills on

each lesson phase before they receive their certificate.

Once they complete and master lesson phase 3, they will then be eligible to receive

their MTI badge (for MTI red, orange and green grades) or MTI medal (for MTI

yellow, bronze, silver gold and platinum grades)


Teachers and Coaches - Please include an introduction at the beginning of every

lesson and a summary at the end where students are asked to relay to you what they

actually learned, practiced and gained from the lesson. Also allow the students to

hydrate at any time during the lesson.

All lesson progressions along with any new additions can be found in our

online video library which is part of your membership package.

These Intermediate Grade lesson plans are based on a 90 minute lesson.

Once players mature to MTI Orange 3, they will then be eligible to receive their MTI

Red 3 badge.

Once players mature to MTI Green 3, they will then be eligible to receive their MTI

Orange 3 badge.

Once players mature to MTI Yellow 3, they will then be eligible to receive their MTI

Green 3 badge.

Once players mature to either MTI Bronze 1 or 2, they will then be eligible to receive

their MTI Yellow 3 medal.

The physical conditioning of all players is crucial including young players in

order to strengthen the ‘core’ which improves the balance, flexibility,

coordination and reduces the chances of future injuries.

Footwork pattern exercises can also be introduced to the warm ups


The 6 MTI Lesson Plan Phases

1. Introduction

2. Warm up/General Conditioning

3. Assessment/Easy Feed/Rally

4. Part Point/Fun Game for Red Grade 1 Students

5. Full Point/Fun Game for Red Grade 1 Students

6. Cool Down/Summary/presentation of Awards

The introduction is when you have outlined the nature of the lesson. Discuss this with

your partner/players.

This should be followed by a plyometric warm up and general conditioning to

enhance performance and prevent injury. The content of which will vary depending

on the age and ability of the player(s).

Teachers and coaches - should the players be unknown to you then a good idea

would be for you to assess the player’s playing standard by getting the player(s) to

rally and even to play points out.

The easy feed and rally phase is when the player(s) are either hand or racket fed,

(depending on ability of both player and feeder) followed by a rally where and

whenever appropriate.

Part points are used to depict the teaching point(s) within a tactical game situation.

You will need to set up a point scenario and start the point mid rally based on the

shot or tactic you have worked on during the session. Targets should be used to aid

placement.

Full points can be either doubles or singles with serve should be played to encourage

the use of the player’s overall game style with the aim of using the learned teaching

point(s). Beginners can still be fed to and should now learn tennis etiquette.

MTI Red 1 grade players and even Orange 1 grade players should play a fun group

game instead of part/full points.


The cool down and summary are designed to cool the muscle groups down and to

ascertain from the players; what they have learned and how they felt about the

teaching points and points of future goals, practice and matchplay.

It is also time to tick off any goals that you or your players have achieved

during that particular session on the syllabus sheets

You should now arrange your next practice session and discuss the content plus any

forthcoming matches.

PLEASE KEEP THESE LESSON PLANS SAFE IN A WATERPROOF SLEEVE AND FEEL

FREE TO TAKE THEM ONTO COURT WITH YOU.


LESSON ROTATION (No lesson phases)

MTI Red, Orange, Green and Yellow Grade 3 Lesson Plan

Lesson 1 – 90 minutes

*Award a player of the week – no certificates as these can be confused with their MTI

awards!

Introduction, Warm up and General Conditioning - 15 minutes

Plyometrics – this to include a ‘rugby’ style throw and catch to aid body rotation. Also

to include a split step and pushing down to push up

SAQ and footwork pattern exercises

Core Drill Selection (See Vertical Power VIDEO) – 15 minutes

Players work in pairs or basket feeds - TIP; players first hit at 50% and gradually increase

– Choose 2 drills from;

Cross court and down the line drill

Combination drill or Spanish ‘X’ drill

Taking the ball on the rise drill (when taught)

The 3 shot drill – serve, return and third fourth shot. (progression to a fourth rally shot

is acceptable) TIP; encourage players to look for weaker sides of their opponents

Short ball attack and defend drill

Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The Hat Drill and point Butt and Throw Edge (See

Vertical Power VIDEO) for all Serve Contacts - 30 minutes

Players work in pairs

Players serve to targets using the ‘hat drill’ to develop their wrist angle and to cover

the ball as they ‘hit up’ on the serve for every serve contact. 6 serves of every contact

each.

Players start by pointing the butt upwards behind their back and repeat the above

Return to the ‘address’ position and repeat.

TIP; encourage each player to develop rituals before and during the serve, between

points and change of ends.


Tactical Part Points - Team singles with service targets still in place. Coach calls out the

targets the players should aim for. The players choose which serve they want to use. The

players play the rally out – 15 minutes

Full Points (Singles or Doubles as the coach chooses) – 10 minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and Award Player of the Week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 1






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The Hat Drill and Point Butt and Throw Edge drill (See

Vertical Power VIDEO) for all Serve Contacts - 30 minutes


Players serve to targets using the ‘hat drill’ to develop their wrist angle and to cover

the ball as they ‘hit up’ on the serve for every serve contact. 6 serves of every contact

each.

Players start by pointing the butt upwards behind their back and repeat the above






targets the players should aim for. The players choose which serve they want to use. The

players play the rally out – 15 minutes



End of lesson 2






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Serving style variations for all Serve Contacts - 30

minutes


Players serve to targets using the ‘Abbreviated’ for every serve contact. 6 serves of

every contact each.


Players serve to targets using the ‘See saw’ for every serve contact. 6 serves of

every contact each.






targets the players should aim for. The players choose which style of serve they want to use.

The players play the rally out – 15 minutes



End of lesson 3






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Serving style variations for all Serve Contacts - 30

minutes


Players serve to targets using the ‘Abbreviated’ for every serve contact. 6 serves of

every contact each.


Players serve to targets using the ‘See saw’ for every serve contact. 6 serves of

every contact each.










End of lesson 4






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Leg Power for all Serve Contacts - 30 minutes


Players develop their leg power for serve (see Vertical Power Video) using the

‘platform’ stance

Players develop their leg power for serve (see Vertical Power Video) using the ‘step

up’ stance

Players experiment using both types of stances.









End of lesson 5






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Leg Power for all Serve Contacts - 30 minutes


Players develop their leg power for serve (see Vertical Power Video) using the

‘platform’ stance

Players develop their leg power for serve (see Vertical Power Video) using the ‘step

up’ stance

Players experiment using both types of stances.









End of lesson 6






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Leg Power for all Groundstrokes - 30 minutes


Players develop their leg power and rotation for forehand and backhand

groundstrokes (push down to push up/load to explode - see Vertical Power FILM) 6

feeds each for forehand and 6 feeds each for backhand. Then rally.

Tactical Part Points - Team singles with cross court and down the line targets in place.

Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. The players play the rally out – 15

minutes



End of lesson 7






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Leg Power for all Groundstrokes - 30 minutes


Players develop their leg power and rotation for forehand and backhand

groundstrokes (push down to push up/load to explode - see Vertical Power Video) 6

feeds each for forehand and 6 feeds each for backhand. Then rally.


Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. The players play the rally out – 15

minutes



End of lesson 8






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Taking the ball on the rise - 30 minutes


Players start inside service line 6 feeds each for forehand and 6 feeds each for

backhand. Then rally.

Repeat from inside the baseline


Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. The players must stay inside baseline

and take every shot on the rise. The players play the rally out. Progress by introducing the

serve with same conditions – 15 minutes



End of lesson 9






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Taking the ball on the rise - 30 minutes


Players start inside service line 6 feeds each for forehand and 6 feeds each for

backhand. Then rally.

Repeat from inside the baseline


Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. The players must stay inside baseline

and take every shot on the rise. The players play the rally out. Progress by introducing the

serve with same conditions – 15 minutes



End of lesson 10






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Returning Serves - 30 minutes


Players (or coach) serve flat or heavy serves. Partners work on deflecting return back

cross court centre. 6 serves each

Players (or coach) serve slice serves. Partners work on cutting off angle and

returning back to desired target. 6 serves each

Players (or coach) serve topslice serves. Partners work on standing back and waiting

for ball to spin out and return and taking ball on the rise return options. 6 serves each

TIP: Talk about the difference in a pro’s positioning when returning on hard vs. grass

court


Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. The players serve to each other with

the returner hitting to desired target area. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes




End of lesson 11






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Returning Serves - 30 minutes


Players (or coach) serve flat or heavy serves. Partners work on deflecting return back

cross court centre. 6 serves each

Players (or coach) serve slice serves. Partners work on cutting off angle and

returning back to desired target. 6 serves each

Players (or coach) serve topslice serves. Partners work on standing back and waiting

for ball to spin out and return and taking ball on the rise return options. 6 serves each

TIP: Talk about the difference in a pro’s positioning when returning on hard vs. grass

court


Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. The players serve to each other with

the returner hitting to desired target area. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes




End of lesson 12






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – ‘Plasterer Groundstrokes’ - 30 minutes


Starting from service line and slowly moving back and increasing acceleration. Player

(or coach) feeds high balls to partner who has to hit a ‘plasterer’ forehand (see

Vertical Power Video). 6 feeds each


(or coach) feeds high balls to partner who has to hit a ‘plasterer’ backhand (see



Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. Coach feeds a shoulder height ball to

player who has to hit a plasterer groundstroke hitting to desired target area. The players play

the rally out. – 15 minutes




End of lesson 13






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – ‘Plasterer Groundstrokes’ - 30 minutes



(or coach) feeds high balls to partner who has to hit a ‘plasterer’ forehand (see



(or coach) feeds high balls to partner who has to hit a ‘plasterer’ backhand (see



Coach calls out the targets the players should aim for. Coach feeds a shoulder height ball to

player who has to hit a plasterer groundstroke hitting to desired target area. The players play





End of lesson 14






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Flat and Topspin Lobs - 30 minutes

Players work in threes

One player feeds from net and acts as a target with racquet extended, one player

collects at back of court and one lobs from baseline.

Players take turns in hitting 6 forehand and 6 backhand topspin lobs.

Repeat with players hitting flat lobs

Tactical Part Points - Team singles with cross court and down the line targets in place. One

player starts at the net. Coach feeds a ball to player who has to hit a topspin lob over net

player. The players play the rally out. Progress with coach feeding a wider ball so that player

has to hit a flat defensive lob – 15 minutes




End of lesson 15






awards!



























End of lesson 16






awards!



























End of lesson 16






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – One handed topspin backhand - 30 minutes


Players feed to partners who have to hit one handed backhands whilst pulling up and

across and squeezing shoulder blades together. 6 feeds each and rally.

Players feed one forehand and then one backhand. 6 feeds each and rally


Coach feeds a ball to player who has to hit a one handed topspin backhand to desired target

area. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 17






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – One handed topspin backhand - 30 minutes


Players feed to partners who have to hit one handed backhands whilst pulling up and

across and squeezing shoulder blades together. 6 feeds each and rally.

Players feed one forehand and then one backhand. 6 feeds each and rally


Coach feeds a ball to player who has to hit a one handed topspin backhand to desired target

area. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 18






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Slice and Dropshots - 30 minutes


Players feed to partners who have to hit Slice backhands whilst squeezing shoulder

blades together. 6 feeds each

Players feed to partners who have to hit Slice forehands. 6 feeds each

Slice rally of forehands and backhands

Starting on the service line, players hit a forehand dropshot and move back to

baseline. 6 feeds each

Starting on the service line, players hit a backhand dropshot and move back to


Playing from the baseline, players have a rally of forehand and backhand slice and

dropshots

TIP; Encourage hitting across the ball for back and sidespin



Coach feeds a low short ball to player who has to hit a slice approach shot. The players play

the rally out. Also coach to feed very wide balls for players to hit slice defensive shots.

Players play the rally out – 15 minutes



End of lesson 19






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Slice and Dropshots - 30 minutes


Players feed to partners who have to hit Slice backhands whilst squeezing shoulder

blades together. 6 feeds each

Players feed to partners who have to hit Slice forehands. 6 feeds each

Slice rally of forehands and backhands

Starting on the service line, players hit a forehand dropshot and move back to


Starting on the service line, players hit a backhand dropshot and move back to


Playing from the baseline, players have a rally of forehand and backhand slice and

dropshots




Coach feeds a low short ball to player who has to hit a slice approach shot. The players play

the rally out. Also coach to feed very wide balls for players to hit slice defensive shots.

Players play the rally out – 15 minutes



End of lesson 20






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Volleys - 30 minutes


Players feed high, medium and low forehand volleys (see Vertical Power Video). 6

feeds each

Players feed high, medium and low backhand volleys (see Vertical Power Video). 6

feeds each


Players feed medium and low to backhand. Players have to hit drop volleys. 6 feeds

each

Players feed balls to feet of partner who stands on the service line. Players have to

hit half volleys. 6 feeds each



Players start on the service line. Coach feeds varying height balls to player who has to hit a

suitable volley. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 21






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Volleys - 30 minutes


Players feed high, medium and low forehand volleys (see Vertical Power Video). 6

feeds each

Players feed high, medium and low backhand volleys (see Vertical Power Video). 6

feeds each


Players feed medium and low to backhand. Players have to hit drop volleys. 6 feeds

each

Players feed balls to feet of partner who stands on the service line. Players have to

hit half volleys. 6 feeds each

Progress to players having a volley rally from the service line



Players start on the service line. Coach feeds varying height balls to player who has to hit a

suitable volley. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 22






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Smashes - 30 minutes

Players work with coach feeding lob feeds

Players start with their racquet on the net. Coach feeds lobs whereby players have to

track back and hit smashes as they lift off the floor (see Vertical Power Video) – 6

feeds each

Bounce smash - Using any ball that’s appropriate, coach feeds a high ball. Players let

the ball bounce first then smash down – 6 feeds each

Slam dunks – Players start on service line. Coach feeds lob and players move

towards net and perform a slam dunk smash – 6 feeds each

Backhand smash – Coach feeds lobs to player’s backhand side. Players hit

backhand smash – 6 feeds each


Tactical Part Points - Team singles or players playing in half court. With two players playing

in half court, one player has to smash the other attempts to keep lobbing. For team singles

the coach will start the rally with a lob. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 23






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Smashes - 30 minutes

Players work with coach feeding lob feeds

Players start with their racquet on the net. Coach feeds lobs whereby players have to

track back and hit smashes as they lift off the floor (see Vertical Power Video) – 6

feeds each

Bounce smash - Using any ball that’s appropriate, coach feeds a high ball. Players let

the ball bounce first then smash down – 6 feeds each

Slam dunks – Players start on service line. Coach feeds lob and players move

towards net and perform a slam dunk smash – 6 feeds each

Backhand smash – Coach feeds lobs to player’s backhand side. Players hit

backhand smash – 6 feeds each



in half court, one player has to smash the other attempts to keep lobbing. For team singles

the coach will start the rally with a lob. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 24






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Drive Volleys - 30 minutes

Players work with coach feeding head height feeds

Players start on service line and hit forehand drive volleys – 6 feeds each

Players start on service line and hit backhand drive volleys – 6 feeds each

Progress to players starting on the baseline and moving forward to attack midcourt

drive volleys ( a mixture of forehand and backhand drive volleys) 6 feeds each


in half court, both players start on the baseline. one player feeds a high midcourt ball to

partner who has to hit a drive volley to start the rally. For team singles the coach will start the

rally with a high feed. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes




End of lesson 25






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Drive Volleys - 30 minutes

Players work with coach feeding head height feeds

Players start on service line and hit forehand drive volleys – 6 feeds each

Players start on service line and hit backhand drive volleys – 6 feeds each

Progress to players starting on the baseline and moving forward to attack midcourt

drive volleys ( a mixture of forehand and backhand drive volleys) 6 feeds each


in half court, both players start on the baseline. one player feeds a high midcourt ball to

partner who has to hit a drive volley to start the rally. For team singles the coach will start the

rally with a high feed. The players play the rally out. – 15 minutes




End of lesson 26






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Forehand Cross court ‘killer angle’ variations - 30

minutes

Players work with coach feeding

TIP; bring in scoring for every successful shot placement.

TIP; encourage players with spin variation and to look for weaker sides of their

opponents

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands cross court short angle –

6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands cross court corner – 6

feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands cross court centre – 6

feeds each

Progress to players having to hit to the three consecutive cross court targets – 6

feeds each


Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside out fhds cross court short

angle – 6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside out fhds cross court corner –

6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside out fhds cross court centre –

6 feeds each

Progress to players having to hit to the three inside out fhds consecutive cross court

targets – 6 feeds each

Tactical Part Points - Team singles with cross court targets laid out. Coach feeds first ball to

forehand. Players have to hit their shots to a chosen cross court targets only. Players play the

rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 27






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Forehand Cross court ‘killer angle’ variations - 30

minutes


TIP bring in scoring for every successful shot placement


opponents

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands cross court short angle –

6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands cross court corner – 6

feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands cross court centre – 6

feeds each


feeds each


Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside out fhds cross court short

angle – 6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside out fhds cross court corner –

6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside out fhds cross court centre –

6 feeds each

Progress to players having to hit to the three inside out fhds consecutive cross court

targets – 6 feeds each


forehand.Players have to hit their shots to a chosen cross court targets only. Players play the

rally out. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 28






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Backhand Cross court ‘killer angle’ variations - 30

minutes




opponents

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands cross court short angle

– 6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands cross court corner – 6

feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands cross court centre – 6

feeds each


feeds each



backhand. Players have to hit their shots to a chosen cross court targets only. Players play




End of lesson 29






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Backhand Cross court ‘killer angle’ variations - 30

minutes




opponents

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands cross court short angle

– 6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands cross court corner – 6

feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands cross court centre – 6

feeds each


feeds each



backhand. Players have to hit their shots to a chosen cross court targets only. Players play




End of lesson 30






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Down the Line variations - 30 minutes




opponents

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands down the line – 6 feeds

each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside in forehands down the line –

6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands down the line – 6 feeds

each

Progress to players having to hit a combo of forehand, backhand and inside in down

the line targets – 6 feeds each


Tactical Part Points - Team singles with targets laid out. The serving team have to hit down

the line only. The receiving team have to hit cross court only. Scoring is the first to 10 points

then change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 31






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Down the Line variations - 30 minutes




opponents

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting forehands down the line – 6 feeds

each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting inside in forehands down the line –

6 feeds each

Players playing from the baseline, practice hitting backhands down the line – 6 feeds

each

Progress to players having to hit a combo of forehand, backhand and inside in down

the line targets – 6 feeds each


Tactical Part Points - Team singles with targets laid out. The serving team have to hit down

the line only. The receiving team have to hit cross court only. Scoring is the first to 10 points

then change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 32






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Approach and Pass - 30 minutes


Players hit forehand down the line approach shots. Opposing players counter with

down the line pass/lob


cross court pass/lob

Players hit backhand down the line approach shots. Opposing players counter with




Players swap roles

Players hit forehand cross court approach shots. Opposing players counter with down

the line pass/lob


Players hit forehand cross court approach shots. Opposing players counter with cross

court pass/lob

Players hit backhand cross court approach shots. Opposing players counter with




Players swap roles

Tactical Part Points - Team singles with targets laid out. Coach feeds ball for one team to hit

their choice of approach shot. Defending team counter with a passing shot or lob. Scoring is

the first to 10 points then change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 33






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Approach and Pass - 30 minutes










Players swap roles

Players hit forehand cross court approach shots. Opposing players counter with down

the line pass/lob


Players hit forehand cross court approach shots. Opposing players counter with cross

court pass/lob





Players swap roles


their choice of approach shot. Defending team counter with a passing shot or lob. Scoring is

the first to 10 points then change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 34






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – ‘Ghosting’ - 30 minutes


TIP; to work on footwork and racquet acceleration. Also approach line into net

Defending player starts ¾ across on their forehand side. Coach feeds ¾ length balls

to attacking player who hits angled forehand to the defender’s backhand. Upon

seeing the defender stretching for their backhand, the attacker ghosts into the net to

steal a volley or smash.

Players swap roles after allotted number of feeds.

Repeat with attacking player first hitting inside out forehands with defender starting ¾

on opposite side to where the attacker aims to hit their first ball

Repeat with attacking player first hitting inside in forehands with defender starting ¾




their choice of groundstroke before ghosting into net. Defending team start ¾ on opposite

side to where attacking player will place their first shot are able to counter with a passing shot

or lob. Scoring is the first to 10 points then change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 35






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – ‘Ghosting’ - 30 minutes


TIP; to work on footwork and racquet acceleration. Also approach line into net

Defending player starts ¾ across on their forehand side. Coach feeds ¾ length balls

to attacking player who hits angled forehand to the defender’s backhand. Upon

seeing the defender stretching for their backhand, the attacker ghosts into the net to

steal a volley or smash.

Players swap roles after allotted number of feeds.

Repeat with attacking player first hitting inside out forehands with defender starting ¾


Repeat with attacking player first hitting inside in forehands with defender starting ¾




their choice of groundstroke before ghosting into net. Defending team start ¾ on opposite

side to where attacking player will place their first shot are able to counter with a passing shot

or lob. Scoring is the first to 10 points then change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 36






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Serve and Volley - 30 minutes

Players work in pairs or with coach feeding

TIP; to work on ‘split stepping’ at the right time. Also approach line into net

Players start behind the service line and have a ball fed to them for them to

volley/half volley and then move in whilst following the ‘line’ of their volley and hit a

second volley/smash.

Players work on their movement after their serve by serving and advancing into the

court then split stepping after 2 steps

Combine serve and movement into court with two fed balls to volley/smash – moving

forward after the first volley

Tactical Part Points TIP; teach the returners the importance about returning low to the feet

on the return - Team singles with targets laid out. Serving team hit first serves and volley.


Returners able to counter with a passing shot or lob. Scoring is the first to 10 points then

change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 37






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Serve and Volley - 30 minutes



Players start behind the service line and have a ball fed to them for them to

volley/half volley and then move in whilst following the ‘line’ of their volley and hit a

second volley/smash.

Players work on their movement after their serve by serving and advancing into the

court then split stepping after 2 steps

Combine serve and movement into court with two fed balls to volley/smash – moving

forward after the first volley


Tactical Part Points TIP; teach the returners the importance about returning low to the feet

on the return - Team singles with targets laid out. Serving team hit first serves and volley.

Returners able to counter with a passing shot or lob. Scoring is the first to 10 points then

change roles. – 15 minutes



End of lesson 38






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Chip and charge and lob recovery - 30 minutes



Serving player serves second serves. Returner has to return serve and immediately

advance towards the net to volley/smash – 6 serves each

Progress to play the rally out.

One player starts at the net. The ball is lob fed over their head. The player has to turn

and chase after the ball and return with one of the following; return lob, over the

shoulder or the ‘hot dog’ – 6 feeds each


Tactical Part Points Team singles with targets laid out. Serving team hit second serves.

Returners able to counter with a chip and charge. Servers counter with lob. Players play the

rally out Scoring is the first to 10 points then change roles. – 15 minutes




End of lesson 39






awards!














Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Chip and charge and lob recovery - 30 minutes



Serving player serves second serves. Returner has to return serve and immediately

advance towards the net to volley/smash – 6 serves each


One player starts at the net. The ball is lob fed over their head. The player has to turn

and chase after the ball and return with one of the following; return lob, over the

shoulder or the ‘hot dog’ – 6 feeds each


Tactical Part Points Team singles with targets laid out. Serving team hit second serves.

Returners able to counter with a chip and charge. Servers counter with lob. Players play the

rally out Scoring is the first to 10 points then change roles. – 15 minutes




End of lesson 40

Documents

Modern Tennis International