The tennis drill book-2e

18. CRAZY-8 GROUNDSTROKE
Objective
To build players' confidence, consistency, ball control, and stamina while using
open hitting stances.
Description
Two to four players can do this drill. Players get a sense of how to move side to
side while using the various hitting stances and directing the ball to a designated
area of the court. No scoring is needed; this drill is for learning, not competing.
Execution
Players A and B start at the center baseline (T) at opposite ends of the court and
start rallying. Player A hits every ball down the line, and player B hits every
return crosscourt. The players try to keep 20 balls going without missing. They
should not compete, because this is a learning drill that should be performed
free of stress.
Variation
To slow the pace of the drill, use orange and green QuickStart balls. Player A
takes a position at the baseline or service line. Player B is up at the net. Player A
hits every ball down the line, and player B hits every volley crosscourt. They try
to keep a steady, consistent pace on the ball, no winners. To improve consistency
and ball control, they hit as many balls as they can. After 10 minutes they can
switch directions. Players do not use scoring for this drill.
Tip
Players should try to kiss their shoulders. This technique has been phrased in
many different ways, but the outcome is the same. They must continue stroking
until they place the racket (grip) into the nonhitting hand and their shoulder and
chin or lips have met (kiss) after the finish stroke. Players often fail to complete
the stroke after hitting the ball. They think that once their rackets connect with
the ball, that's all there is.
B
A
24 The Tennis Drill Book
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