Sport CurriculumTennis

Sam Glendinning

Tennis

Trading(Baseline)Forehands/ Backhands

Serving-Flat, Top

Spin, Slice.

Returning-Cross

Court/Line

Approaching the Net

- Volleys/Slice

Opponent at the Net

Passing Shot/Lob

Trading (Midcourt)

Drive/Passing/ Drop/Slice

Technical/Tactical Model -

Tactical Issue Specific Detail Technical Skill

Serving 1st Serve,  2nd Serve

Types of Serve - Flat serve, - Top spin/Kick- Slice serve.  

- Use Continental Grip when serving.  - Add speed and power to force a weak return on behalf of the opponent, if serve is

long add spin, if serve is short reduce spin and aim higher.  - Service Toss should be in line with the throwing shoulder and out in front of the body.

The distance in front will vary on the type of serve being hit.  - Power of the serve is generated via bending of knees and straightening them during

reach to contact the ball. 20% turn on the shoulders will provide a good body rotation, away from the starting position with a continuous swing of the racket arm, this will allow maximum velocity on the serve.

 - 2nd Serves should not be flat and try allow spin to bring the ball into the court, try not

hit a short serve as this will entice an attacking shot from the returner.

Returning Forehand/Backhand Down the line,  Forehand/Backhand Across court,  Slice shot,  Block return.

- Adjust court position based on speed depth of opponents return.  

- Move inside the baseline to attack a weak second serve. Be aware of the server’s toss of the ball, and split step just before they make contact and begin the return with a quick shoulder turn.

 - Allow your backswing to be shorter than a normal groundstroke shot during a return

due to less time.  - Hit majority of the returns across the court or deep in the middle of the court for

safety, if the serve is weak, capitalise on the opponents weakness.  - Wait with a forehand grip predominantly or if they play to your backhand mainly

choose to start out with that, so you’re not changing grips too often. To counter a spin or kick serve you should try attack the ball on the rise.

 - Safest option to return the ball is to hit the ball in the same angle it was placed at

you. To cut off the angle from the server the returner must move 45 degrees towards the wide position for the return of serve to intercept the ball, which should be played wide across the court to allow the server not to return the ball into a open court.

Trading (Baseline)

Forehand/ Backhand Across the court  Forehand/ Backhand Inside out, Across the court Slice Shot  Forehand/ Backhand Down the line

- Aim for steadiness on the groundstrokes, generally hit across the court and deep to prevent your opponent from taking you on the offense.

 - Hit more aggressively when you move inside your baseline to play a

shot.  - Allow the height, spin and pace of your strokes to keep your opponent

a bit off balance.  - Aim groundstrokes into target areas well inside the lines to allow

yourself a good margin for error. Good balance and movement towards the ball will entail a efficient groundstroke, explosive longer strides are useful to cover long distances when reaching for the ball in wide positions. However small adjustment steps are required as players prepare for the shot.

 - Set up for the shot early so players have time to recover for the next

shot in the rally.  - Turn shoulder to prepare racket for the shot is an efficient movement

and make sure grip dependent on the player is in the correct position, western, semi eastern.

 - Players should prepare their racket swing as the ball comes over the

net as if the ball bounces it will be too late for them to adjust. - To reduce time an opponent has to prepare for an incoming shot allow

the player to hit a groundstroke as the ball is on the rise from a bounce.

Trading (Midcourt)

Forehand/ Backhand Winner/Drive Shot/Passing Shot Drop Shot  Slice Shot.

- Winning drives can be hit when the contact on the ball is above the height of the net, the opponent is out of position and you are balanced and are prepared for the shot.

 - Hit an approach shot down the line to reduce the angle on

your opponent’s passing shot, keep the trajectory flat and aim the ball deep and low plus add backspin for control on the shot.

 - On occasion the player should use a drop shot to keep the

opponent on their toes as the opponent maybe looking to play a deep attacking shot.

 - To use disguise you should prepare exactly the same for a

winning drive, approach shot or drop shot but shorten the length of your backswing.

 - Balls which bounce lower or level with the net should be

sliced with an approach shot and followed to the net, balls which are taken above net height should be driven as an approach shot, with example of forehand winner or backhand drive. Balance and movement is vital during mid-court play.

 - Backswing for mid court shots need to be shorter than

ground strokes but longer than volleys.

Approaching the Net (Volleys)

Forehand/ Backhand Across the court followed by a shot down the line  Slice shot/drop shot wide to move the opponent followed up by a - Smash shot, Low volley, High volley, or Drop shot.

- Quick response and decisive moment are key to playing at the net all volleys involve a short compact movement with a follow through toward the target.

 - Preparation for the volley requires a quick turn of the non-

racket hand at the throat of the racket to change the angle of the racket face and grip. Good balance is essential and a continental grip is required for volleying at the net, and quick recovery to allow to be prepared for the next shot.

 - Net play is to win the point and angling the shot away from

an opponent is crucial during play.  - Tight grip, wrist angle and firm wrist when making contact

on the ball help facilitate this. Stepping forward when hitting the volley should be encouraged to players.

 - The smash shot should be similar to a serve, allow the body

to be sideways with moving to a position just behind the contact point, both arms should be raised to maintain balance, and contact point remains about a foot in front of the body, head an chin should remain upright to avoid the ball going downward into the net.

Opponent at the Net

Forehand/ Backhand Passing shot/Winner Forehand/ Backhand Down the line/ Across the court  Lob Shot Drop shot wide into the corner  Slice lob shot so the ball creates backspin on the bounce

- Defensive play against an opponent at the net will require a participant to hit a passing shot to the left or right or a lob shot over the opponent.

 - For a passing shot get your opponent into trouble after a weak shot

and pass them on the second shot.  - The use of heavy top spin is required on passing shots to keep the ball

low and top spin or back spin should be used on lobs to control the depth on court.

 - Low topspin passing shots should be used, the ball should aim for 1 to

3 feet over the net, to stop the opponent from getting the ball, extra topspin can be enforced via emphasising the low to high upward path on the racket and acceleration of the racket head through the hitting area.

 - The lob shot should be used when the attacking player is extremely

close to the net, an overhead lob to the opponents backhand side should be encouraged as it’s usually the weaker aspect of one’s game.

 - The loft of the ball can be achieved by opening the racket face, just

enough through the hitting area.  - Allow players to use backspin on the lobs to control the depth of the

shot their hitting.  - Topspin lobs are more offensive, allow defensive lobs with backspin to

fall just behind the service T and at least aim the ball to go 3 stories high to allow lots of issues and room for error for an opponent.

The Technical Tactical Model I created came from numerous sources including –

Tennis Canada LTAD Tennis Ireland LTAD LTA, Coach Education (2012) Smith, S (1995) Coaching Tennis

Successfully Grosser, M. & Schonborn, R., (2002)

Competitive Tennis for Young Players

Where it came from?

Tactical development

Core Characteristics

Generally tries to implement the preferred game plan on all surfaces. Optimises use of own weapons. Able to independently formulate, implement, evaluate and, if necessary,

adapt advanced singles tactics in all five game situations. Able to effectively adapt tactics to all court surfaces, weather conditions,

opponents and situations (e.g. in the presence of unexpected physical impairment/cramps).

Better able to anticipate opponent’s shot tendencies from tactical standpoints

(based on court position, racquet preparation and body alignment) as well as

from technical standpoints (based on technical limitations), particularly during

baseline play and on return of serve. Proficient at detecting and anticipating preferred plays (i.e. tendencies)

by the opponent on big points. Maintains a scouting diary.

Taken From Tennis Ireland -

Technical development

Core Characteristics

Technical excellence achieved, all skills are robust and no mechanical flaws exist to jeopardize their performance under stress. Able to develop high racquet velocities (horizontal and vertical) but also able to varyrhythm and manipulate tempo from all court positions and on all surfaces. Able to improvise, irrespective of situation or surface. Able to direct all strokes to all court locations. Able to adapt to all court surfaces.

The model is useful as a general overview of what participants should be able to achieve in the sport of Tennis.

A competent Tennis player should be able to produce these techniques

If they’re not fully there as a player you can look into the model and find out what needs to be improved and how it can be improved to get them to that next level.

Useful as a Coach -

FRT Elite Level Technical Tactical Psychological Physical

Forehand across the court

Allow height, spin and pace on the ball. Hit the ball inside the line. Set up for the shot early. Hit the ball on the rise to reduce time, and have early preparation on the shot.

Racket path should be low to high with acceleration on the racket head to produce power.

Aim for steadiness and hit deep into the court. Set up for the shot early.

Decide when to take the racket back, and where to hit the ball, deep, short, wide etc.

Good co-ordination good balance, and good movement towards the ball.

Forehand Volley at the net

Quick turn of the non-racket hand at the throat of the racket to change the angle of the racket face and grip, the angle the shot away from the opponent. Tight grip, and wrist angle along with quick decisive movement combined with short compact movement with follow through on the ball.

High to low short compact movement on the racket with good follow through.

Angling the shot away from the opponent into space. Aim for power or slice.

Where to place the ball into what part of the court and how you’re going to do it.

Strong balance and good reaction time to recover in preparation for next phase.

Top Spin Serve Power should generate via bending the knees with a 20% turn of the shoulders, for good body rotation this will allow max velocity on the serve. Add power to force a weak return follow through with the swing, and keep ball toss In line with throwing shoulder.

Throw ball in line with throwing shoulder. Use of continental grip, bending knees and 20% turn of the body, follow through after making contact to reach full power.

Where to place the ball, backhand side usually weaker side. Or down the T.

Deciding the speed on the ball, add spin to make the serve go longer?

Good balance, coordination, tight grip, good strength and explosive speed in arms is required. Good wrist flexion is added bonus.

Returning, cross court against a 1st serve.

Adjust court position based on speed depth of opponents return. Allow backswing to be shorter than a normal return. Hit the ball at the same angle it was placed at you for safety.

Don’t take the racket fully back, wait with a forehand grip.

Place the ball at the same angle it was hit at you. Adjust court position based on speed and depth of serve

Be able to read where the serve is going to. What type of return you’re going to use.

Fast feet, balance, coordination, speed and power.

Forehand/backhand passing shot, down the line.

The use of heavy topspin is required; aim the ball 1 to 3 feet above the net, emphasis on the low to high path of the racket, via the acceleration of the racket head, under control. Use the line to aim for once they’re in a weak position.

The use of heavy topspin, a strong follow through on the racket swing, aims the ball 1-3 feet over the net.

Type of passing shot, the amount of spin placed on the ball, angle which you’re going to hit the ball.

Decision making, anticipation on the shot, preparation of incoming shot.

Good balance, fast feet, long and short strides. Firm grip on racket and speed.

Model – LTAD – Tennis Canada

Learning to Train Stage, 9-12 (Developing)

Phase FRTs Capabilities

Trading The ability to hit a forehand across the court against an opponent.

Groundstrokes, including returns,Grips: Forehand (eastern) Set-up before the ball bounces. Impact point in front at waist height. Long hitting zone: keep racquetMoving toward target. Recovery back to centre. Introduction of ball control and “PAS” principles. Decision making skillsThe child should further develop reaction speed, time-space analysis and coordination under more difficult situations. Perform multi- tasks at the same time. Learning to play with a higherdegree of consistency, directionand depth on groundstrokesIncluding the return.

Serving The ability to hit a competent 1st serve, flat.

Serve – between eastern forehand andContinental grips, balance, toss, throwing action. Learning to change direction on serve. FlexibilityWorking on the basics of flexibility usingglobal postures.Priority 3Strength Strength-endurance exercises withoutadditional load (body weight); core stabilityis introduced. 

Approaching the net (Volleys)

The ability to approach at the right time volley the ball past an opponent

Volley – between eastern forehand and Continental grip, impact point, catching action, recovery. Enjoys playing and practicing. Has the ability to focus on task. (knowing the drill, keeping score, calling the lines). Learning to play points at net.Gaining awareness of opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

Learning To Train Stage – Continued

Model for Tennis – Age 9-12

• Motivation• Concentration• Control of Thoughts• Emotional Control• Personal/Lifestyle• Parents/Support• Attitude• Engagement

• Speed• Coordination• Agility• Strength• Flexibility• Footwork• Endurance• Power

• Return of Serve• Baseline Play• Approach the Net• Passing Shot• Introduce Doubles Tactics• Develop Tennis

Intelligence

• Swing/Ball Control• Acceptable Grips• Ready Positions• Serve• Forehand• Backhand• Returns• Volleys• Smash• Passing• Slice• Lob Technical Tactical

PsychologicalPhysical

Tennis – Year Long Curriculum – Age - 9-12 - Mini Green

Working On – Detail - 4 Sessions a Month – 1 Session a Week -

Block 1 - September GS – Forehand Consistency 1

October* GS – Two Handed BackhandReady PositionsServes/Spin

ConsistencyFootworkDirection on Serve

234

November Return of ServesForehand VolleysOne Handed Backhand Volley

Smash Shot/Slice Shot

Creating Angles, Challenge Opponents MovementUnderstanding the VolleyCoordination of body/feetDecision Making, Control/Consistency

567

8December* Doubles

Competition Week

Short Sets/Team WorkTie Breaks Matches 10

Block 2 - January* Trading SessionHeight on LobsPassing Shots

Moving your OpponentOffensivePass with Drive

123

February GS – Forehand GS – Two Handed Backhand

Open Cross Court, Accelerate down the line.

4, 56, 7

March Serves/SpinReturn of ServesCompetition Week

Place Opponent in troubleControl of Weak 2nd ServeShort Sets

8910

Block 3 - April* Return of ServesVolleys – FH/BH

Control of Weak 2nd ServePositioning at the Net

12, 3

May Groundstrokes/Trading FHGroundstrokes/Trading - BHSmash Shot/Slice shot/Height on Lobs

First Serve

DepthDepthContact Point/Control of Racket Head/DefensiveServe/Volley

456

7

June Passing ShotsDoublesMatch Play

Approaching the Net/BuildingPositing/Variety Attack/Defend/Counter/Short Sets

8910

July Off Season Off Season Off SeasonAugust Off Season Off Season Off Season*= only 2/3 sessions take place.      

1 Year Curriculum – Tennis 9-12

Psychological Competencies • Higher level of focus and engagement in training, Developing and

understanding the love of competing.• Projecting a calm and positive attitude and Learning to effectively

manage mistakes in a positive manner.• Consistently working hard and being committed to improvement.• Shows respect for coaches, officials and other players.• Motivation – Intrinsic, Concentration – Adjusts attention to a number of

stimuli• Control of Thought - Displays positive thinking and self-esteem in

supportive environments.• Experiences and enjoys technical, tactical and/or physical success.• Tries to implement what has been practiced in game-play.• Emotional Control – Able to relax through games and activities and can

enjoy activities regardless of the outcome. • Other Qualities – Follows games and scores correctly.

Psychological Competencies – Applied at Learning to Train Stage (9-12)

Physical Competencies – Applied at Learning to train Stage (9-12)Physical Competencies

• Coordination skills• Skip rope using different kinds of footwork.• Throw with one or two hands using different kinds of throws.• Speed and agility• React quickly to multiple signals.• Have good multi- directional running techniques.• Decision making skills, • The child should further develop reaction speed, time-space analysis and

Coordination under more difficult situations. Perform multiple tasks at the same time.

• Power• Able to jump, hop and throw repetitively, with control.• Enhancement of Movement - Able to differentiate actions between upper

and lower-body and right to left side.• Footwork - Better able to position up to and around the ball (i.e. cover the

ball), particularly• when moving forward.

Gro

un

dstr

okes Trading -

Forehand9/12 Year old - Male

Tacti

cal In

terv

en

tion

s - Master impact point (good timing) Long hitting zone.

- Increased amplitude on strokes (preparation)- Grips semi western (on forehand) - Forward and upward emphasis (as a source of power)- Extra ground reaction force and extra rotation required.- Able to open the court when hitting crosscourt, and accelerate down the line.- Capable of keeping ball in play but also deep in the opponents court duringbaseline exchanges.- When rallying, can move the opponent along the baseline by hitting accurately.

Tech

nic

al

Inte

rven

tion

s- Swings should be simple, from low to high, with a consistent contact point to the side and in front, and a longer follow through dependent on ball hit.- Ball should be taken on the rise as much as possible.- Able to hit forehands characterized by a smooth action with shoulder turn, racquet positioned at a comfortable distance from the body, with correct footwork at all times.- Extra ground reaction force and extra rotation required.- Use of a semi open stance is preferred.- The technique required to hit spins (topspin and underspin)

Specific Aspect of Performance -

From the research undertaken into the 3 areas of technical/tactical, age/stage and the analytical tool -

This helps me understand my sport in more detail, and what I should be doing when coaching my participants during the sessions to progress and develop them in the sport of Tennis and in life.

Conclusion -

Balyi, I., Way, R., Norris, S., Cardinal, C. & Higgs, C. (2005) Canadian Sport for Life: Long-term athlete development resource paper. Vancouver, BC, Canadian Sport.

Borfiga, L et al, (2012) Long term Athlete Development Plan for the Sport of Tennis in Canada. A Sport for Life, Tennis Canada.

Burton, A.W., & Miller, D.E. (1998). Movement skill assessment. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Durovic, N., Lozovina, V., Pavicic, L. & Mrdulkas, D. (2008) Kinematic Analysis of The Tennis Serve in Young Tennis Players. Acta Kinesilogica (2) (2008) 2: pp. 50-56

Geraghty, R. (2012) Tennis Ireland Long Term Player Development Pathway. Tennis Coach Ireland.

Grosser, M. & Schonborn, R. (2002) Competitive Tennis for Young Players. Oxford. Meyer and Meyer (UK) Ltd.

Lloyd R,S. & Oliver, J,L. (2012) The Youth Physical Development Model: A New Approach To Long Term Athlete Development. Faculty of Applied Sciences, Strength & Condistioning Journal. Vol. 34 pp. 61-72

Smith, S., (1995) Coaching Tennis Successfully. United States Tennis Association. USA. Human Kinetics.

The National Curriculum for England (2012) London, Department for Education and Employment

The Lawn Tennis Association (2012) Identify Talent for the Future, LTA Mini Tennis Coach Education. LTA Operations Limited.

References