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Paul

Friday, 13 July 2012

Practice with Purpose: DTL to start the point



A quick practice game to practice changing direction in a groundstroke rally.

Player one (in blue) can only hit the ball cross-court. Player two (in orange) must hit the ball cross-cout for a minimum of two shots (not including the feed) and then has the choice to hit the ball cross-court or down the line.

When Player 2 hits the down the line- the point becomes active. Any winners or mistakes before this point do not count to the score. However if Player 2 misses the down the line, they lose the point. After Player 2 has gone DTL the court is open and point commences as a normal singles point (Fig.2). Play to 7 points per set, and change who is Player 1 and Player 2 per set.

Things to think about

Player 2 should look to change direction on a ball that is comfortable for his/her hitting zone. They don't have to win the point outright on the first down the line but instead can work their opponent out of position. Player 1 is looking to only be solid in the opening exchanges and then invariably will be defending and trying to push the point back to at least a neutral position after Player 2 changes direction.

Variations

Change to the backhand side. Change the amount of balls that Player 2 has to hit crosscourt before changing direction.

Purpose

To practice picking the correct ball to change direction on (Player 2), improve consistency in cross-court exchanges and court coverage (Player 1) to defend the DTL ball.