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Tennis Coach Education: The 7 Principles of Coaching Progressions

By Jason Lampione The process of effective lesson planning should be developed with specific target objectives in mind with a hint of progressions added to the list.  The coaching component to lesson planning excellence begins with an understanding on how to execute a series of positive progressions for all players of all ability levels.

Therefore, it is vitally important to remember that with each sequence of patterned practice plans, you'll need to dress the court with colored coded cones in order to visually stimulate your players and get them energized for the coming drilling process. 

 

The entire process varies in complexity with regard to player improvement and participation, which is based primarily on group player-to-pro ratio and the amount of energy that the coach is exuding within that lesson. Throughout my entire professional development career as a player and coach, I have realized there was a gross void in our coaching process on-court and wanted to rectify the redundancies that have caught my attention over the years. Since coaching education has been a huge subject of thought and discussion throughout the many years of

 

How often do you see players on-court standing around with their racquet's in hand looking clueless and mystified as to why it takes so long for them to have a turn in hitting a ball?  Have you ever seen a coach on-court feed the same redundant drilling pattern from a right-to-left fashion with more than four players standing in isolated position and losing interest?  I have and because the coach doesn't have a basic understanding on the simple principles of progressions and it's effectiveness on-court is one of the major reasons why so many shy away from this subject.

Therefore, I have outlined each progression in great detail so that any coach of any background can easily implement the process on-court, while his or her players follow suit and move in sync with the coach.  This fantastic system is easily implementable for any organization to institute, especially for those looking to increase on-court productivity and player participation within any programming theme.  Below, you will find 'The 7 Principles of Coaching Progressions Successfully,' and the inner mechanisms of function and how you can implement this process at your local facility with great success. 

Now, allow me to begin by introducing the very first progression principle within the lesson plan.

 

1.  Progression Principle #1:  Shadow Drilling with Purpose

 

The term shadowing or shadow drill is a process by where each player of the group either junior or adult mimics the exact on-court bio-motion of the coach without the process of hitting the ball.  Each player within the group usually line-up in a vertical fashion from the net all the way back to the end of the court, remember, be sure to leave room between each player about 3-5 feet of spacing is necessary as to avoid contact with the racquet from the opposing partner. 

 

The coach will begin the class by announcing that he or she will be showing each student and/or player the exact movement and expectation of that drill.  These introductory patterns will last about 5-8 minutes in length as the warm-up continues, and then, progress into more difficult bio-motions that will encompass more complex patterns of movement with the upper and lower bodies of the player.  The most important element of this process is keeping track of time, because with each progression you have only so much of it (time wise) before you move onto more challenging sequences. 

 

 

The coach can creatively implement any pattern utilizing the shadow sequence, as long as you understand that the mechanisms for shadow drilling apply only with non-ball hitting motions.  Keep in mind, that the shadowing process must have a cardio aspect to it, otherwise, you run the risk of stagnation becoming an issue within your class.  Utilizing high energy with a loud tone of voice is ideal, so that the players can hear your verbal communication and see you visually as you perform each movement in sync with the group. 

 

The best method of approach in the beginning is to use markers or color coded cones on-court, have each player perform a specific lower body movement (i.e., normally a lateral movement and/or cross over step in conjunction with an upper body swing of a forehand or backhand), then have them recover back to the center of the court.  Again, you can create any drilling sequence you want as long as you have keep the class moving and have them perform a series of patterns for the entire 5-8 minutes of time. 

• Principle Tip #1:  Mix up the tempo of each shadow drill by adding challenges to the process.
• Principle Tip #2:  Use high energy and keep the flow of the class moving.
• Principle Tip #3:  Keep it simple and remember to have FUN!

2.  Progression Principle #2:  The Drop Hand Ball Feed

 

The second phase of the progression principle is called 'The Drop Hand Ball Feed.'  Here you will be on the same side of the court with the players; however, instead of feeding the ball with the racquet you will be utilizing you’re both your dominant and non-dominant hands to place the ball in and out of the hitting zone of the players involved.  This progression can be timed around 10-12 minutes in length as you perform each hand feed according to the pattern you are executing. 

Preferably, it is best to have the player’s line-up in two singular lines side by side in the middle of the baseline as you begin to explain the process to the players.  Remember, since you are going to be feeding a forehand and backhand feed you want to make sure you challenge your players by telling them they have to recover to the middle of the court after each swing. 

If you want to complicate matters for them, then explain that you're looking for perfected swings over the shoulder and they must catch the racquet throat with the non-dominant hand in order for the swing and movement to be fully completed with each drop ball feed.  Now, simply take one ball in the left hand and one ball in the right hand and begin dropping the ball about 10-12 feet away from the starting point of the player.  Then, they must run to the ball and complete the swing from low-to-high and finish correctly as explained and demonstrated before the drill began. 

 

You can creatively make-up any pattern of play within the drilling process as long as you keep in mind that you must drop the ball to an area of the court.  The example above was just a guide to assist you in the beginning phases of this progression and as you become more familiar with it, you'll be able to create patterns that will confuse the player and challenge them as the difficulty level increases and response-reaction times begin to improve within the player’s on-court.  The drop hand ball feed is quite effective and can be utilized for any programming theme ranging from the 10's and under all the way up to senior players who have limited mobility on-court. 

 

In fact, you can be pretty inventive with this drilling pattern and create some challenging cardio themes from it and enhance participation on-court if executed correctly.  The more specific you are about the drop hand ball feed drill, the more stimulation you will receive from your players and increase your retention rate within your club, thus then, making your performance more desirable and attractive to both the facility and client you service.   

 

Principle Tip #1:  Vary the drop ball hand feed by location (short, long and wide).

Principle Tip #2:  Allow each player to conduct the drop feed as you make the corrections.

Principle Tip #3:  Include dynamic footwork patterns to increase intensity and frequency of each drill.

 

3.  Progression Principle #3:  The Cooperative Dead Ball Drill

 

The cooperative dead ball drill is one of the most basic level format that a coach can learn, besides the shadow drill mentioned above in the progression principle #1.  Here you will be utilizing the racquet for the first time in these series of progressions as you elevate the difficulty level with each vertical process.  Be sure that you dress the court prior to the start of each drill (i.e., by adding color coded cones, rubber line strips, hurdles and arrows to ensure that your player(s) know exactly where to hit the ball and in what direction). 

You want to be certain that each and every player knows the exact form and function behind each feed.  The beginning process should be completed with the coach verbally discussing, and then, physically showing the player or group by shadowing the process as outlined in the selected progression created by the professional. 

 

The process of the cooperative dead ball drill concept is an added layer to the progression process by allowing the coach or professional to be engaged with his or her players on court.  Once you have completed set-up of the court, than the coach can begin feeding the ball (with racquet in hand) to the specific locations outlined in the lesson plan, and then, engage each player in a cooperative hitting session.  Primarily, the coach will work with the player to achieve an objective on court, which can be a directional cooperative drill forehand-to-forehand cross court until a set number of rallies has been achieved. 

 

The coach can have each player hit a series of forehands and backhands from the baseline, and then, approach the net while hitting two or three consecutive volley's before the coach and player become engaged in the cooperative hitting scenario.  The most important aspect of this progression is that the coach becomes involved with the cooperative hitting process once the drilling pattern has been completed by the player. 

 

Principle Tip #1:  Be sure to re-enforce the player(s) confidence by allowing them to play their game.

Principle Tip #2:  Set a goal and work with each player to achieve that goal TOGETHER!

Principle Tip #3:  Focus your lesson plan in this progression on controlled-aggression and consistency.

 

4.  Progressive Principle #4:  The Competitive Live Ball Drill

 

The competitive live ball drill happens to be the most aggressive style and approach to on-court coaching with the professional involved with the hitting process.  As stated above, once the player(s) have completed the series of drilling sequences from one position on the court to another, than the coach comes into play by acting as the adjacent hitting partner (competitive) with the player(s). 

 

The focal point here is the engagement between player and coach, whereby, the player that accumulates the greatest amount of points against the coach becomes the winner within his or her group.  The coach can conduct this progression in any drilling scenario that he or she prefers to execute in, however, it is vitally important to keep in mind that once the live ball drill ends, the competitive hitting begins. 

 

Normally, I will usually have each player incorporate a footwork pattern within the drilling process to increase the amount of difficulty within the progression if the player(s) find the format to easy.  I can always change the tempo, direction, height, width, length and distance of the feed within the drilling sequence to keep the player(s) stimulated and actively moving.  The worst case scenario is to have more than four juniors or adults sitting around by the side of the court and waiting for their turn to play out the point with the coach. 

The player(s) will immediately lose interest and become easily distracted if the coach doesn't keep the pace of the class moving, while the drilling and hitting sequences remain a positive challenge for all on-court participants.  The live ball drill progression should stimulate and arouse excitement within the player(s) on-court by having the coach facilitate the amount of energy that he or she gives (effort wise) during both the feeding and competitive hitting scenarios.

Principle Tip #1:  Incorporate a singles and doubles hitting scenario in the competitive progression.

Principle Tip #2:  Have each player switch racquet's with one another to challenge their comfort zone.

Principle Tip #3:  Keep players in stagnated positions (one up and one back) to mix up the format.

 

5.  Progression Principle #5:  The Cooperative Live Ball Exchange

 

This uniquely devised progression came about after heavy consideration on the lack of rally participation and consistency I've experienced throughout the years coaching.  Therefore, I felt that players became too focused on hitting winners, rather than, developing their ground games with a cooperative approach from both competitors on-court.  The cooperative live ball exchange can be utilized both from half-court and back-court position. 

 

The idea behind this progression theme is for the players to begin understanding the importance of learning patience, rally consistency and the ability to move the ball around the court and negotiating both angles and deep patterns of directional hitting. 

 

To begin, the coach is feeding the ball with the racquet in hand in this drill, while dividing the players two on one side and two on the opposing end.  The objective of this drill is for each player on each side to rally for consistency, depth of shot, directional control, while becoming more controlled aggressors on-court.  The players on one side will be working 'cooperatively' with the opposing players on the other end of the court. 

 

The goal is to win by way of consistency, which basically means that all players involved are working together to accomplish a set number of sustained rallies.  The coach can shift gears and change the difficulty level by having each player of each team begin the rally by only hitting in a directional pattern (i.e., forehand to forehand in a cross court fashion utilizing the doubles alleys as markers and anything outside the doubles alley is considered out).  The dead ball exchange can be fed from the coach on any part of the court to help increase the intensity of the beginning hit, while putting the player in an awkward confused state, which makes it all the more exciting on both ends of the court. 

 

You don't have to keep score in the beginning, however, if you decided to move in that direction, just remember that in the cooperative exchange format both parties or groups don't compete with one another they're simply working together to achieve the desired outcome numbered set by the coach.  This drilling pattern can be timed around 10-15 minutes in length, just be sure to do the following for maximum affect. Be sure to change court positions often, challenge the players by feeding the ball in various places on the court, make sure you use high energy and give positive support and feedback whenever possible.

 

Principle Tip #1:  Confuse the players by randomly feeding the ball into the open areas of the court.

Principle Tip #2:  Put the weakest player in the hot-seat by giving him or her the first feed.

Principle Tip #3:  Add pressure to the doubles format by only allowing directional hitting.

 

6.  Progression Principle #6:  The Competitive Live Ball Feed

 

Now, we're getting to the juicy stuff.  The competitive live ball feed utilizes the same format mentioned above except in this progression the players are working against one another both in singles and doubles format.  The coach is on the side of the court feeding in random positions while applying random feeds to keep the process mixed and confused.  Ideally, you can many variations in this live ball sequence such as 2:1 ratios on-court where you have two players at the net and one at the baseline fighting for position. 

 

The competitive nature of this format make the players earn their position on the court by out hitting their opposition with consistency, controlled aggression and converting on opportunities during the rally exchange.  The coach can incorporate and implement any number of ridiculous patterns of play, the crazier and more challenging the process the more excited the players become.  Normally, anytime I have an opportunity to do some competitive live ball feeding, I will usually make every player work for the point in every rally by feeding a drop-shot while they're at the baseline or throw in a semi-lob in the middle of the court just to see how they react. 

In some extreme cases, if you end up having a ratio of 6:1 always keep an even number of players on each side of the court (i.e., 3 on one side and 3 on the other), this will ensure that everyone has a fair turn at staying mobile and active during the hitting process.  You can even conduct this progression in doubles format if you end up having that number of players, in fact, transitioning from singles to doubles is a sure way to gain favoritism amongst your players, because it shows that you know how to manage and direct on-court drilling patterns. 

 

Therefore, in order to have the most amount of success with this progression it is advisable to utilize creativity, high energy while mixing up the process as often as possible.  You could even incorporate a game around this approach and have each player rotate sides of the court and only give them 5 seconds to respond by purposely feeding the ball while their running quickly to recover from position, this will drive them crazy, but they'll thank you after class, trust me!

 

Principle Tip #1:  Play doubles offense/defense at close proximity to get the class pumped for action.

Principle Tip #2:  Incorporate a 'blinding feed' by throwing in a third ball mixer when playing 2 out of 3.

Principle Tip #3:  Allow only a one stroke hitting pattern (forehands only) during the drilling process.

7.  Progression Principle #7:  Open Court

The last and final principle in this progression is called 'Open Court,' which basically states that all of the previous patterns of progressions have now led up to a full court exchange between all players on-court.  Now, you can incorporate the service motion into the final process of this progression and utilize both the cooperative and competitive scenarios explained in the above examples in the previous principles. 

 

I would highly recommend having each player utilize the format 'king of the court,' or 'doubles of the court,' as the beginning and end sequence of the pattern, so that they leave the lesson knowing they've covered all angles of approach within the lesson. 

 

Here the coach can be more animated on the court by personally engaging with each player both singularly and in group format by going over key components with regard to strategics and tactics in point play scenarios.  The players can engage in competitive 2 out of 3 point play scenarios or have a cooperative doubles drill whereby the coach feeds the ball into play and everyone plays out the point utilizing consistency, ball control and directional hitting as the main focal points within this process.

 

As a final and lasting reminder, since this phase is the most important because it's towards the end of the lesson, be sure to end on a high note.  Get inventive and throw in a high energy mixer and use extreme feeding patterns to have your players huffing and puffing for oxygen. 

 

Every person on-court should be feeling it, especially in the last 5-10 minutes of class time, make it burn!  Have the heart pumping and sweat dripping from their faces and keep feeding until you either run out of balls or you run out of time, whichever comes first. 

Then immediately have a one minute ball pick-up whereby every player becomes excited and hurried with panic, since nobody feels like doing any of those line suicides you promised everyone would do if they didn't get all the balls up in time, boy will they run!  This entire progression should take up a good chunk of time within the lesson, about 15-25 minutes of time or so. Remember, the last impression in the lesson should be a positive one, so get those players pumped and ready for round two, I promise, they'll be lined-up at the front door ready for action for the next week and remember, have fun!

Principle Tip #1:  Have each player serve and volley on both first and second serves

Principle Tip #2:  If using more than one court, at the end of 5 minutes rotate court position and side

Principle Tip #3:  The player/team with the least amount of points picks up all of the balls on court

Jason has been playing and coaching for more than 15 years and brings an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise. He is extensively involved with player development, mental toughness, sport psychology, peak performance, personal and business mentorship along with training ranked junior and adult players from around the world.

 

He can be contacted at jlampione@yahoo.com and tennisfussion@yahoo.com.