Technical Development Template

Here's a training template I'm thinking of using this summer:

A - multi-shuttle technical exercise: player performs multiple single reps of a particular stroke, such as the spinning net, x-court net, slice drop, smash, whip, backhand, etc.

Before beginning, a quality repetition is defined. This could be a certain trajectory, a degree of spin on the shot, a number of consecutive shots, etc. In each set, a fixed number of attempts are made, and the number of quality repetitions performed is recorded. Sets are performed until a target number of repetitions is met.

Progress from stationary shots -> shot with movement -> realistic sequence of shots

B - continuous drill: any drill with a single live shuttle, intended to build a sense of rhythm and to get a large volume of succesful shots in to develop precision in placement.

Some examples would be basic pattern drills, semi-random pattern drills, master & dog, drives, bingo, etc. The feeder needs to keep the level of difficulty appropriate to the level of the trainee. If footwork skills lag behind stroke skills, it may be necessary to hold back on shot tightness to allow a comfortable rhythm to be established.

Sample Session

A1 - spinning net shot, footwork from T, try to get shot tight to net and still spinning as it drops below the tape, 50 reps

B1 - clear-clear-drop, player makes a sequence of two clears and one drop, then the partner does the same. 3 sets of 50 consecutive reps

A2 - x-court net shot, same corner as A1, try to keep shot tight and have it cross past the midway point of the net, make sure to delay x-court action until the last moment, 50 reps

B2 - bingo drill, focus on body position, finger action, can be used as either an offensive or defensive drill, 2 sets of 5 minutes

A3 - x-court ATH stick smash, fast chasses to corner, shuttle must land before midcourt, 50 reps

B3 - master and dog, choose a corner, feeder adjusts difficulty so the worker can get to the shots with good technique, 4 sets of 50 reps