Here are some of the best tennis drills for intermediate players that focus on improving technique, consistency, and overall game strategy:
1. Groundstroke Consistency Drill
- Objective: Improve consistency and rally length.
- How to do it: Partner up and rally from the baseline. Focus on hitting deep, controlled groundstrokes with both forehand and backhand. Aim for a target area within the service box or deep in the court.
- Variation: Incorporate cross-court and down-the-line shots to improve directional control.
2. Target Serving Drill
- Objective: Improve serving accuracy and placement.
- How to do it: Set up cones or markers in different parts of the service box. Serve to these specific targets (e.g., wide, body, or T) and try to land the ball within the designated areas. Start with one serve and progress to using second serves for added challenge.
- Variation: Add spin (topspin or slice) to challenge yourself with different types of serves.
3. Volley and Overhead Smash Drill
- Objective: Improve net play and reaction time.
- How to do it: Start with groundstrokes from the baseline. After a few rallies, your partner will toss a ball toward the net for you to volley. Focus on proper volley technique, with a compact swing and staying low. After a volley, your partner can lob the ball, and you should practice your overhead smash.
- Variation: Increase the speed and intensity of the volleys and smashes for more advanced practice.
4. Drop Shot and Lob Drill
- Objective: Develop soft touch and strategic shot placement.
- How to do it: Begin by rallying from the baseline, and then your partner will drop shot the ball to you. You need to move forward quickly and respond with a well-placed drop shot. In return, your partner can lob the ball back over your head, and you should practice reacting with a well-placed lob.
- Variation: Try hitting both the drop shot and lob on the run to improve agility and reaction time.
5. Cross-Court and Down-the-Line Drill
- Objective: Improve directional control and shot selection.
- How to do it: Set up a baseline rally with your partner, alternating between cross-court and down-the-line shots. Focus on accuracy and depth while maintaining a consistent rally. Try to open up the court by hitting down-the-line shots after hitting cross-court.
- Variation: Challenge yourself by aiming for the corners of the court or adding spins to the shots.
6. Angle and Approach Shot Drill
- Objective: Improve court positioning and attacking angles.
- How to do it: Rally with your partner from the baseline, but you must aim to hit angles that pull your opponent wide off the court. After hitting an angled shot, move forward and practice an approach shot (a solid, aggressive groundstroke) followed by a volley or overhead at the net.
- Variation: Incorporate a backhand slice or drop shot as part of the approach strategy.
7. Reaction Time Drill
- Objective: Enhance reflexes and ability to react quickly.
- How to do it: Stand in the center of the court with your partner on one side. Your partner will hit balls to different areas of the court, and your goal is to quickly react, moving to intercept the ball and return it with accuracy.
- Variation: Have your partner randomly hit lobs, drops, and deep balls to work on various aspects of your movement and reaction time.
8. Two-on-One Drill
- Objective: Develop better court coverage and stamina.
- How to do it: This drill requires one player (you) against two partners. The two partners rally with each other, and you need to cover the entire court, reacting to their shots. This simulates real-game pressure and improves footwork, anticipation, and endurance.
- Variation: Switch sides after a set period to give everyone a chance to practice different court positions.
These drills will help improve key areas like footwork, consistency, shot accuracy, and strategic shot selection, making them great for intermediate players looking to level up their game!
For more tips click here