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Drill to Win
When Tennis or "Lawn Tennis" became popular back in the mid 1800's, I believe this particular overhead drill evolved along with it. I remember as a little kid some 25 odd years ago, when I was first learning how to play the game, my coaches used to make me do this overhead drill. I didn't particularly like it and after you run through it a few times I think you'll understand why. It's flat out exhausting, but it's one of the best ways I know to fine-tune that shaky overhead and build up the endurance needed to hit it in a third set tiebreaker. That's why I practiced the drill all through high school, and college and now, since becoming a teaching pro, I love doing it with my students (after a few sets I know they hate it also).
To do this drill you'll need a partner and a hopper full of balls. Have your coach or partner stand on the middle of the two service boxes with you standing across the net on the opposite service boxes. Have your partner feed you a lob. After hitting the overhead, immediately SPRINT to the net and gently tap it with your racquet. As soon as the racquet touches the net, your partner should feed you another lob. Back up and hit another smash then sprint to the net and tap it again. This vicious cycle keeps repeating until you have completed 8 overheads (you can vary the amount depending on the type of shape you are in and how vigorous a workout you desire).
On the second set, repeat the drill but count only the 8 overheads you get in the court or if you are an advanced player, set up a target zone and count only the 8 smashes that land in the designated area. On the third and final set, deduct one point every time you miss an overhead or fail to hit the target zone. Keep going until you reach eight. The ball feeder should keep in mind as, you enter this last set, that fatigue is definitely a factor, so have your partner make the lobs a little easier especially if you begin missing. In that way you will be able to complete the drill. A key point to remember when executing this drill is that after touching the net the smasher should concentrate on turning (point the left hip pocket towards the feeder - right hander) as he or she moves into position to hit the overhead. Do not back peddle to hit the smash. Concentrate on moving side ways. It’s a lot faster and safer. After a few weeks of practicing this drill, I guarantee you will be moving like a panther when your opponents try to attempt a lob over your head and grinning widely as your ball rockets passed them for another outright winner.
Your comments are welcome. Let us know what you thank about the Offense/Defense drill by emailing us here at TennisONE. Special Thanks to Dr. Paul Falvey for his help with this video.
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Last Updated 11/15/00. To contact us, please email to: webmaster@tennisone.com TennisONE is a registered trademark of TennisONE and SportsWeb ONE; Copyright 1995. All rights reserved. |
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