Offense/Defense
By A. J. Chabria
Here's a role-playing drill that will help you improve your versatility as
you play either attacking or defensive tennis. Widely used by top college
teams including SMU (NCAA top 15), it is a great forum in which to learn
how to deal with opponents of either style. We think you'll find it as
challenging and rewarding as the college players do.
Offense/defense is primarily an advanced singles strategy drill, but can
also be played two on two (receivers both play back). The goal is to be
comfortable playing both ends of the style spectrum so you can be a threat
from absolutely anywhere on the court and deal with just about any type of
player.
Bolle's sunglasses designed especially for
tennis make the ball literally leap out of the background. On
sale now!
Click
here to Purchase
|
Both players begin the point at the baseline with an easy two-shot rally,
then the point begins. One player is designated as the attacker for the
whole game (play to 11) and should look for any and every opportunity to
push the defender around, elicit a short ball or a floater and get to the
net to end the point. The defender must rally high and deep without
hitting baseline winners, denying the attacker access to the net. When/if
the attacker does come in, the defender's goal should be to hit dippers,
passes or lobs -- anything to stay in the point (winners are permitted at
this point). Switch roles after each game.
Variations
- If the attacker dominates too easily, implement the rule that the
defender automatically wins the point if he can get six or eight balls
back depending on your level.
- Make all clean winners worth two points, encouraging the attacker to
really take charge when the time is right.
- Make all unforced errors cost two points, ensuring steadiness from
the defender and controlled aggression (not blind aggression) from the
attacker.
- Rather than eleven point games, play traditionally scored games with
points starting with actual serves. The server can be the attacker while
the returner assumes the defensive role. Then have the server defend
while the returner attacks the whole time (a great time to practice the
"chip-charge").
As the attacker, you will get better at constructing offensive sequences
and putting points away. As the defender, you will get a chance to test
your fitness, ball control and your ability to prolong points. For this
drill, it is important for both players to stay within their respective
roles, especially if it is not the most comfortable style for you. It
may take time to get the hang of this drill, but soon after it won't be
hard see the added dimension to your all-court game.
Note: For this drill, "Offense/Defense", I consulted with Carl Neufeld
(SMU
Men's tennis coach) and one of his players who has graduated and now
works for me, Gerardo Mulas. Gerardo grew up training with Corretja, Moya, Mantilla, Costa et al. The day
Gerardo and I put this drill to practice together was a long, hot,
draining one for me.
 You
will need real player G2 to view the video If you do not have it
installed on your system, click on the icon to download the free
software. |
Your comments are welcome. Let us know what you thank about the
Offense/Defense drill by emailing
us here at TennisONE.
|
