Type: Singles Category: Predicting
Levels: Beginner Time/players: 15 minutes/1-4
Description and goals:
Students place hands on their hips with palms up. Coach tosses ball to one side of player. Player moves and catches ball without moving the hand from the hip. Goal is for students to develop predicting skills. They should predict where the ball will end up after it bounces in order to first catch the ball (intercept) and then hit the ball with the racquet while maintaining balance. Encourage students to catch ball while facing the coach.
Organization:
Spread players out along the court. Coach gently tosses ball to one side of player. Player moves to the ball (generally in a side-steping motion) and catches the ball without moving the hand from the hip. Coach moves quickly from student to student. If student cannot catch ball, he/she may use two hands during initial stages of the drill.
Key points:
Students should predict flight of ball while maintaining balance. Toss should be gentle so student can catch ball without moving hands. Allow student to use two hands if necessary until able to catch with hands on hips. Encourage students to catch ball while facing the coach. This will prepare students for more advanced skills to come.
