Practice makes perfect with Chris Vine

The School Squad training on Saturday was a hard session with Level IV professional coach Chris Vine.

His big idea was getting accuracy into every shot. Know where you want the ball to go and think about how you're going to get it there.

*Where should I put it? Glad you asked!

Drop shots should be angled low into the front corner. Straight drives should be 'faded' - meaning they are also angled slightly in towards the wall on their way to back corner. Cross-courts should generally be deep into the back corner too.

*Anything but routine!

If you get some time with a training partner then try the following two routines:

1. Player A at the back straight drops; player B at the front (slightly forward of the T) plays straight fading drive.

2. Player A at the back boasts; player B at the front plays deep cross-court trying to beat them in the back corner.

Keep scores in both (say 5 point-a-rally points) and then swap around. Then swap sides on the court.

Chris says:

*Racquet up!
Remember to keep your racquet high as you prepare for each shot.

*Play it early!
On the cross-court, hit the ball while it's in front of you - to drive the ball deep. Don't let it pass you and then flick at it.

*Watch to the end of the shot!
Look at your opponent's racquet when the ball is leaving it. That'll tell you not just which shot but also what quality to expect.