Objectives

Learn how to construct and execute patterns utilizing multiple shots and shot combinations and how to incorporate these patterns with match tactics. Learn how to transition from offense to defense and from the baseline to the net.

1. Execute serve shot combinations with dynamic balance, agility and control of variables beginning with ability to hit your targets with the serve. Learn how to execute serve and volley, serve, delay and close, and serve and stay back patterns. Dictate play with first strike serve patterns by finishing the point with the serve and no more than two shots following the serve.
2. Execute serve return shot combinations with dynamic balance, agility and control of variables beginning with ability to hit your targets with the serve return. Learn how to execute return and close, return, delay and close and return and stay back patterns. Dictate play with first strike serve return patterns by finishing the point with the serve return and no more than two shots following the serve. Learn how to defend by neutralizing the serve with the serve return and then staying in the point or rally with an extended exchange (testing the shot tolerance of your opponent).
3. Establish consistency, court coverage, defensive skills and high shot tolerance by withstanding a sustained offensive attack from the baseline utilizing both forehand and backhand groundstrokes. Learn how to make the transition from defense to offense.
4. Establish offensive skills by commanding the baseline, pushing your opponent back and creating openings with a sustained groundstroke attack.
5. Learn how to transition into the net to finish the point with a volley or overhead. Recognize how and when to close, how to attack the short ball, how to follow the line of your ball and how to conclude the point at the net. Learn how to execute patterns to finish the point with a sharp angled volley, deep drive volley, drop volley and overhead.
6. Learn how to defend at the net when your opponent is attacking. Learn how to cover an attempted passing shot. Learn how to run down and retrieve a lob to extend the point. Learn how and when to defend by falling back from the net to the baseline (or a deeper position on the court).
7. Learn how to construct and execute a groundstroke-based point designed to conclude with a redirection down-the-line (plus an additional volley or mid court groundstroke to close out the point if necessary). Execute with both your forehand and backhand as your outside stroke and a forehand as your inside stroke (inside-in). Demonstrate the ability to vary the pattern using different spins and degrees of spin, depths and ball velocities.
8. Learn how to construct and execute a groundstroke-based point designed to conclude with a crosscourt angle (plus an additional volley or mid court groundstroke to close out the point if necessary). Execute with both your forehand and backhand as your outside stroke and with both your forehand and backhand as your inside stroke (inside-out). Demonstrate the ability to vary the pattern using different spins and degrees of spin, depths and ball velocities.
9. Learn how to draw your opponent into the net or into a midcourt position with a drop shot or off-pace short ball. Finish the point with an offensive lob, passing shot or volley. Work on your ability to pull your opponent in and off court with a short angle. Move in to conclude the point with a mid-court drive, volley or swinging volley. Learn how to vary the spin and degree of spin with each pattern.
10. Work on rehearsing and repeating the different shot combination patterns with purposeful intent and focus in practice. Identify what patterns and tactics are most effective and less effective versus different playing styles. Identify what patterns and tactics are most effective with your skill set. Develop tactical-based patterns to offset the strengths and capitalize on the weaknesses of your opponent in match play. Likewise, develop tactical-based patterns to maximize your strengths in match play. Learn how to adopt and adjust patterns and tactics as required in match play. Work on your ability to execute under the pressure of competition.