Spacing: Part 2
Dave Hagler
In Part 1 of this new series, we looked at multiple drills I use with my players to create better spacing using multiple movement patterns. (Click Here.) Now let's continue with some additional, more complex drills.
2 Forehands 2 Backhands
The first version of this drill starts with the player just beyond the service line in about the middle of the deuce box. The player moves towards the sideline and hits a forehand crosscourt with extreme angle and lots of topspin.
The player then moves back towards the center of the court and hits another forehand inside in. Next the player moves back towards the sideline and hits a backhand inside out. Finally the player moves towards the center and hits a backhand inside in.
Now the player does the same drill from the midcourt, and finally moves back to the baseline to execute the same pattern. Again, the pattern is a sharply angled crosscourt forehand, an inside in forehand, an inside out backhand, and then a backhand inside in.
There is also a reverse version of this drill: an angled crosscourt backhand, a backhand inside in followed by a forehand inside out and a forehand inside in. Again from all three depths.
Opposite Targets
This drill is the same movement pattern as in the basic drill--but the shots go to the opposite targets. First a forehand down the line, then a sharp crosscourt forehand, then a backhand inside in, and then a backhand down the line.
Again start around the service line. Then do the same drill starting in the midcourt. Then from behind the baseline. You can also do the reverse version: backhand down the line, sharp backhand crosscourt angle, a forehand inside in, and then a forehand down the line.
Last 2 Shots Anywhere
This variation allows the player to choose the placement of the last 2 shots. It's the same movement pattern, again from all 3 depths, but the player can hit the last 2 shots anywhere.
Creative
Finally in the creative version of the drill, the player has the freedom to hit any of the 4 balls to any target. The player should work on varying his choices.
Opposite Diagonal
You can also have the player hit from the opposite diagonal--so if the player is right handed , instead of the first ball being a crosscourt forehand from near the deuce court sideline it would be an inside out forehand from near the add court sideline. Again do the drill from all 3 depths.
The Beauty
As the player gets comfortable, you can feed from different positions. You can also mix trajectory, spin and speed of your feeds, etc.
The beauty of these drills is players will learn if certain balls are coming towards them that certain responses are more viable. If a ball is short, wide and dropping this is a great ball to hit with extreme angle. If a ball is rising and you are inside the baseline this is a good ball to drive with angle or down the line.
Players may learn that they can do a lot by creating inside balls, primarily with forehands but sometimes with backhands. These shots can be almost impossible to read. Victoria Azarenka, Bianca Andreescu and Timea Bacsinszki are players who create beautifully with inside backhands.
If you do these drills there are also indirect benefits. You learn and reinforce efficient movement and recovery patterns. You also learn what shot options are best for and available to you in specific situations.
You might find you are good at atypical shots that help you win lots of points. You will become more confident and more decisive. Sometimes your spacing may be off because you aren't sure what you want to do. With these drills that can become clearer.
My students and other coaches with whom I have shared these drills have told me they have been "game changers, confidence builders, a gift from above." They are also a lot of fun.
