PE 117: Practice Log

PE 117: TENNIS - COURSE LOG

By Robert Ammon - 12/9/01

INDEX

WEEK #

GOAL(S) /GAME(S)/TASK(S)

PAGE(S)

1. Thursday—06/09/01

Consistency

· Throw-Catch

· Playing in Court

· Push-Off Game

1 - 2

2. Monday—10/09/01

Placement and Positioning

· Line Game

· Target V Court “win the racquet”

3 – 4

Thursday—13/09/01

Consistency and Spin

· Castle Game

· Backhand “brush” Progression

5 – 6

BI-WEEKLY RELECTION #1

3. Monday—17/09/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Over-Space Game

· Monarch of The Court

8 – 9

Thursday—20/09/01

Volley, Consistency (Hitting & Serving), Placement, and Positioning

· Volleying

· Dink Tennis

· “Laaa-Diii-Darr”

10 – 11

4. Monday—24/09/01

Consistency (Hitting & Serving), Placement, and Positioning

· Mini-Court

· Monarch of the Court

12 – 13

Thursday—27/09/01

Consistency (Services & Returns), Placement, and Positioning

· Net-Drop Game

· Drive Progressions

· Skill Assessment Criteria

· 3-Ball Feed Drill

14 – 15

BI-WEEKLY RELECTION #2

5. Monday—01/10/01

Consistency (Serving), Placement (Volley), and Positioning

· Mini-Court Warm-up

· Line Game

· Dink Tennis

· Service—Split Step

17 – 18

Thursday—04/10/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Mini-Court

· Goalkeeper Drill

· Introduce Round Robin Tournament

19 – 21

6. Monday—08/10/01

No Class-Thanksgiving

Thursday—11/10/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Elements of Consistency—4 R’s

· Video Stroke Analysis Assignment

22 – 24

BI-WEEKLY RELECTION #3

7. Monday—15/10/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Round Robin Tournament

· Pick a Stroke to be Video Taped

Thursday—18/10/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Round Robin Tournament

8. Monday—22/10/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Ground Strokes and Service with Spin

28 – 29

Thursday—25/10/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Dink Tennis

· Throw-Catch

· 2 Up – 2 Back Game

30 –31

BI-WEEKLY RELECTION #4

9. Monday—29/10/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Brushing Circuits

· Doubles Play

· 2 Up – 2 Back Game

33 – 35

Thursday—01/11/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Smash

· Service—Spin & Slice

· Doubles & Singles Matches

36 –38

10. Monday—05/11/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Line Game

· Goalkeeper Drill

· Bounce—Volley Game

· Doubles Play & Matches

39 – 41

Thursday—08/11/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Smash, Lob and Smash Game

· Return of Service

· Singles Matches

42 – 43

BI-WEEKLY RELECTION #5

11. Monday—12/11/01

No Class—Reading Break

Thursday—15/11/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Singles Matches

· Groups for Skill Assessment

12. Monday—19/11/01

Consistency, Placement, and Positioning

· Final Log Hand-In Check-List

· Skill Assessment

READ BACK REFLECTION

Week #1: September 3^rd – 7^th

Day: Thursday 6^th

Goal(s): Consistency—How to keep the ball going?

Game/Task(s): Throw-Catch, Playing in Court, and Push-Off Game

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Ball height for time	Facing the front when hitting the ball
Recovering to move forward	Keeping knees bend for control
Awareness of ball location	Hitting the ball when falling
Awareness of your position	Early preparation
Ball distance for time	One-touch control—emphasis on hitting zone

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Space in the court

Instructions:

1. Introductory In-Court Warm-up

· Emphasis on movement and control

· Keeping your eye on the ball

· Bending your knees

· Relaxing in preparation to hit the ball

2. Throw-Catch:

· Get a partner

· Each groups gets one ball

· Set yourself up on court in the service box

· Partner#1 throws the ball underhand over the net…Partner#2 catches the ball before or after it bounces and throws it back over the net…repeats until you or your partner earns a point. Points earn if ball bounces twice, goes into the net, or out of bounds

· Emphasis on always moving back to starting position, behind the service box…unless the ball is thrown short, then you want to stay at the net

3. Playing in Court:

· Get a new partner

· Same rules as above except you have to bounce the ball, hit it up, and then hit it over the net with your open hand.

· Emphasis on trying to take away your opponents time

4. Push-off Game:

· Get a new partner and a racket each

· Object is to try and complete the assigned number of hits before the group of two besides you.

· Upon completion of for example 6 hits in rows the you yell push-off and move to the next court position adjacent to you and now you try to complete the assigned number of hits for this new court position.

· Your overall goal to move from your starting position to as many positions as you can to your left or right depending on the rules set out at the beginning of the game.

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

Throw-Catch

PE 117: TENNIS - COURSE LOG

Week #2: September 10^th – 14^th

Day: Monday 10^th

Goal(s): Placement and Positioning—Where do you go after hitting the ball?

Game/Task(s): Line Game and Target V Court “win the racquet”

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Hit high for time	Face Partner
Relocate opposite side of partner’s target	Feet shoulder with apart
Look for where the ball will land	Push-off outside foot
Advanced by hitting away from target	Hit the ball as it falls after it bounce
	Shift weight from back foot to front
	Use comfortable grip – Eastern forehand*

*2 grips were introduced; Eastern and Semi-Western

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Space in the court, Markers, and a Racquets

Instructions:

1. In-Court Warm-up

· Emphasis on movement and control

· Keeping your eye on the ball

· Bending your knees

· Relaxing in preparation for the ball

2. Line Game:

· Get a partner

· Each partner get a marker, racquet, and one ball between the two of you

· Identify an area with the markers and the racquet on the court, and each player go to one side of the markers

· Partner#1 bounces the ball on his side first and in the direction of Partner#2 who is on the opposite side

· Partner#2 has to try and catch the ball before it bounces

· Emphasis on trying to take away your opponents time and also to increase your awareness of good positioning

· Partner should be trying to maintain good alignment at all times

· To increase your level of success try using easier ball or bounce and hit first

3. Target V Court “win the racquet”:

· Get a new partner, a racket each, and 5 balls

· Place 4 ball in the middle of the service box

· Partner#1 has a racket and is on the side with the balls

· Partner#2 throw the 5^th ball over the next with the intention of hitting the target

· Partner#1 tries to hit the ball back over the net where Partner#2 tries to catch it and then start again

· Objective is to try and hit the target; the hitter is trying to move the ball to different places on the court

· If the target is hit, the hitter becomes the thrower

· Emphasis on movement and placement, always trying to play to an open spot and recovering for the next shot

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS - COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 13^th

Goal(s): Consistency and Spin—Where do you go after the ball is hit?

Game/Task(s): Castle Game and Backhand “brush” progression

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Ball height for time	Facing the front when hitting the ball
Maintain alignment	Keeping knees bend for control
Anticipating where to go next	Early preparation
Movement in the court	Contact out in front
Racket preparation early	Use backhand grip - Western grip

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Markers, racquets, and space in the court

Instructions:

1. In-Court Warm-up

· Emphasis on seeing the ball

· Hitting zone in front

· Ready position in the back court

· Recovery after the ball is struck

2. Castle Game:

· Get a partner

· Each groups gets 5 balls

· Set yourself up in a space on the court—making a castle with the 4 balls.

· Partner#1 stand on side of castle and Partner#2 stand opposite his/her partner—each player has a racquet.

· Partner who has the ball bounces and hit the ball up using a forehand grip

· Partner who does not have the ball lets it bounce and then hits the ball at shoulder height in the same manner

· Objective is to try and hit the ball up, pushing of outside foot, and trying to have the ball land on the castle of balls

· Whoever hit the castle gets to tell his/her partner to do 10 pushups

· Emphasis on always moving to be aligned with your partner and hitting the ball up to create more time and have greater control

3. Backhand “brush” progression:

· Get a new partner

· Each partner gets 5 balls

· Set yourself up on court in the service box

· Partner#1 stand about 1 ft. away from the net and throws the ball underhand over the net…Partner#2, with racket in hand and using extreme backhand grip, tries to hit the ball back over the net

· It is important to note the position of the racquet at contact and that hitting hand aid in the brushing action...repeat until both partners have a chance

· Emphasis on preparation, good knee bend, and always following through with movement

· If you are successful with the above progression you can try hitting balls that are toss by your partner who is sitting behind the net and throwing them into the service box—“bombs away”

· Emphasis hear on early preparation and trying to anticipate where the ball is going to bounce

Reminder Diagram:

Castle Game

Notes/Comments:

BI-weekly Reflective Thoughts:

What have I learned in the last two weeks, and how can I apply it to my classmates and myself? The overall theme the last two weeks was centered around developing better control, giving yourself as much time as possible, and hitting the ball well out in front of your body.

How do you develop better control? We were introduced to a number of new games that helped to develop our understanding of the skill of ball control. The Throw-Catch and Push-off games were very helpful in reinforcing the points emphasized. We had to focus on eye contact with the ball, bending our knees, and relaxing in preparation to hit the ball. I was able to observe some of my classmates that were chosen to demonstrate the above mention skill. I also asked questions of my partners when do each drill.

How do you create more time? This skill was taught through the use of three drills: Line game, Target V court “win the racquet”, and Castle game. Here, the emphasis was on trying to take away your opponents time, and also to increase your own positioning. Hitting the ball higher, moving back into position, and putting pressure on your opponent through your placement of the ball. We were also able to work on overall movement and placement, playing to an open spot and recovering. I was able to give several of my classmates some feedback regarding this area. I also saw in my own technique a tendency to react only to where the ball is hit, and not to where I want to hit it.

Where should you hit the ball in relation to your position? The Backhand “brush” progression was use in conjunction with other feedback to emphasis the idea of where the ball should be struck in relation to your body—well out in front. Although the above mention progression was specifically for the backhand stroke it also helped to illustrate the idea of early preparation, and seeing the ball all the way to the bounce. I have to admit that I did not really like this emphasis on hitting the ball out in front, at first. I think it is because I have always waited for the ball to come to me. It was amazing how affective this correction was in the overall performance of my forehand and backhand strokes. In turn, I was able to give two classmates in particular, Larry and Catlin, feedback on how much of a difference this progression makes in your overall stroke.

Overall this first two weeks was quite productive for me as a tennis player. I was able to learn some very important basics that I really was not aware of, even though I have played tennis for many years. I really enjoy the class, and I hope that I can contribute in a positive way to the further development of others and myself.

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #3: September 17^th – 21^st

Day: Monday 17^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—Where do you hit the ball?

Game/Task(s): Over-space game and Monarch of the court

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Ball height for time	Facing the front when hitting the ball
Creating the open space	Contact in front
Recover and Ready	Stepping into the shot
Creating movement	Early preparation
Creating more time	Racquet grip change in transition

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Space in the court, Markers, and a Racquets

Instructions:

1. In-Court Warm-up

· Emphasis on movement and control

· Keeping your eye on the ball

· Contact out in front

· Follow through and Recovery

2. Over-space game:

· Find a partner

· Each groups gets one ball, two markers, and a racquet each

· Set yourself up on the court anywhere and mark off a distance of about 10 ft. between you and your partner

· Partner#1 bounces and hits the ball with a down and up action toward Partner#2 who is standing waiting to receive the ball

· Partner#2 hits the ball with a down and up action and stepping into the shot back to Partner#1…repeats until you or your partner have hit several shot s

· Emphasis on stepping into the shot and hitting the ball in front—“hitting zone”

· Also, try to hit the ball with the under-over action. This will put some spin on the ball and give your opponent less time.

3. Monarch of The Court:

· Designate a certain number of students to me “monarchs”—players who will be controlling the court…example (5 players for 5 courts)

· Have the remaining student go to any court to challenge the monarch

· You can pick one court to be full court tennis—includes baselines and doubles lines.

· Challengers objective is to win 3 points in a row; challengers must declare on the 2^nd point that they have won

· If 3 points are won by the challenger, he becomes the monarch

· It is very important that the players who are challenging move to an open court to maximize the number of chance they will have to become monarchs

· Emphasis in this game is on putting it all together—hitting in front, stepping into the shot, hitting where the opponent is not, returning back to the ready position, and recovering in anticipation of the next shot

· Emphasis on trying to take away your opponents time

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 20^th

Goal(s): Volley, Consistency (Hitting & Serving), Placement, and Positioning—What can yon do to decrease you opponents time?

Game/Task(s): Volleying, Dink Tennis, and “Laaa-Diii-Darr”

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Hitting to open space	Facing the front when hitting the ball
Creating more time	Contact position in front
Creating volley opportunities	Grip must be firm when contacting ball
Awareness of your position	Early preparation
Using the whole court	Racket in front and in ready position

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Space in the court

· Racquets

Instructions:

1. In-Court Warm-up

· Emphasis on moving your opponent

· Stepping into the ball-“brush stroke”

· Hitting well in front—“hitting zone”

· Ready and Recovery position

2. Dink Tennis:

· Get a partner

· Each groups gets one ball

· Set yourself up on court in the service box

· Partner#1 throws the ball underhand over the net…Partner#2 volleys the ball back to Partner#1—no bounce before hitting…repeats until you and your partner have had sufficient practice

· Grip should be backhand grip and movement should be short, deliberate, and dynamic

· Emphasis on always moving back to starting position, racquet in front and moving forward on both backhand and forehand sides

· Try to anticipate where the ball will be and hit it early

3. “Laaa-Diii-Darr”:

· Get a racket each

· 1^st position in the service is “Laaa”—here we try to open up the body position between both shoulders

· The serving arm should be behind you and bent at the elbow

· The tossing arm should be extended out in front—“statue of liberty”

· 2^nd position in the service is Diii”—here the serving arm is raised at the shoulder, but the elbow is not extended

· 3^rd position in the service is “Daaa”—here the serving arm accelerates and extends at the elbow. At the point of contact the wrist snaps forward and down towards the target.

· Emphasis on the toss being in front, feet shoulder width apart, knees being prior to contact with the ball, loading the shoulder in preparation to hit the ball, and follow through

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #4: September 24^th – 28^th

Day: Monday 24^th

Goal(s): Consistency (Hitting & Serving), Placement, and Positioning—How can you hit more balls in the court during rally?

Game/Task(s): Mini-Court, and Monarch of the court

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Pushing off the back foot
Quick recovery	Moving forward and to the ball
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Hitting as many ball as possible	Reacting to your opponents shots

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Space in the court

· Racquets

Instructions:

1. In-Court Warm-up

· Knee slapping game to promote movement

· Stepping into the ball—“hitting zone”

· Ready and Recovery position

2. Mini-court:

· Get a partner

· Each groups gets 2 balls

· Set yourself up on court in the service box

· Partner#1 throws the ball underhand over the net…Partner#2 hits the ball back to Partner#1—no bounce before hitting…repeats until you and your partner have had sufficient practice

· Hitter must concentrate on hitting the ball well out in front of his body and on footwork—recovering after each shot—stepping in front to contact the ball and returning to ready position

· Emphasis on always moving back to starting position, racquet in front and moving forward on both backhand and forehand sides

· Try to anticipate where the ball will land and hit it early

· More proficient players can be feed a multiple of balls—upon hitting the 1^st ball a 2^nd ball is feed immediately to the hitter—encourages consistency and helps you to work on the rhythm of your strokes

3. Monarch of the court—see page 9

· Emphasis on following the path that of the ball that was struck

· Incorporate the service into the game—overhand or underhand

· Designate a certain number of students to me “monarchs”—players who will be controlling the court…example (5 players for 5 courts)

· Have the remaining student go to any court to challenge the monarch

· You can pick one court to be full court tennis—includes baselines and doubles lines.

· Challengers objective is to win 3 points in a row; challengers must declare on the 2^nd point that they have won

· If 3 points are won by the challenger, he becomes the monarch

· It is very important that the players who are challenging move to an open court to maximize the number of chance they will have to become monarchs

· Key points to consider are the following: keep the ball in the court, use your service to put pressure on your opponent, and move back to the centre of your opponents hitting angle after a service or drive

Note: if your sever is going into the net you may need to keep your none racquet hand up and pointing to the tossed ball. Conversely, if you find that your service is going long pass the baseline, you may need to lower your toss

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 27^th

Goal(s): Consistency (Services & Returns), Placement, and Positioning—Where do go after your service, and where do you stand when receiving service?

Game/Task(s): Net-Drop Game, Drive Progressions, and 3-Ball Feed Drill—Reviewed Service, Introduce Service-Return

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Quick reaction to control the net	Racquet in front and in ready position
Choosing where to hit the ball	Eye contact and hitting the ball well in front
Hitting the ball where opponent not	Maintaining the backhand grip at the net
Hitting the ball early	Early preparation
Hitting as many ball as possible	Reacting to your opponents shots and Recovery

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls, Space in the court, and a Racquets

Instructions:

1. In-Court Warm-up

· Goaltender game to promote racquet speed at the net

· Stepping into the ball—“hitting zone”

· Chopping action—action and down and forward

2. Net-Drop Game:

· Get a partner—each groups gets one ball and set yourself up on court in the service box

· Partner#1 holds the ball on the top of the net and must decide whether to drop it into his opponent’s side of the court or his side. If the ball is dropped on his opponent’s side of the net the Partner#2 must react and try to hit it over Partner#1’s head. If however Partner#1 drops the ball on his own side of the court then he must try and hit it over Partner#2’s head…repeat until you and your partner have had sufficient practice

· The goal for each partner is to learn to push off and move back to hit the ball. You must keep your body facing the net—one foot in front and use time. The player who is receiving the ball must move to the net for a possible put away. Emphasis on always moving backwards and keeping your body facing the next.

· More proficient players can try to throw up a lob in return so that partner at the net will have to move back and practice their footwork to hit the ball over head

3. Drive Progression:

· The idea is to hit a number of ball consistently in order to progress from one level to another—scale up to 9 evaluates our skill proficiency

Point 1—ball feed hit10x’s in a row back to partner at the net

Point 2—mini-court hit 20x’s in a row and try to create spin

Point 3—full court, ground strokes 10x’s Forehand and 10x’s Backhand

Point 4, 5, & 6—Basket Drill, ground strokes hitting specific areas on the court

4. 3-Ball Feed Drill:

· Form a line about 6-8 ft. behind the court.

· Coach with a basket of balls stand in the ally on the opposite side of the court and feeds the balls to the players as they advance onto the court one at a time

· Each player is feed two balls—one ball to the forehand side and one ball to the backhand side; The idea is to prepare early to hit each ball and to return to the recovery and ready position in after each shot—you must move from the forehand side of the court via the middle of the court

· What this means is that you have to return to the middle of the court in preparation to hit the backhand, your second shot

· Emphasis on three critical factors to ensure success: one, racquet back well before you hit the shot, two, as you bring your racquet back you momentum must be transferred to your back foot to be used in conjunction with your forward step to hit the ball well in front, and three, follow through after you have made contact with the ball to transfer all the power that you created through the first two steps

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

BI-Weekly Reflective Thoughts:

What have I learned in the last two weeks, and how can I apply it to my classmates and myself? Throughout the last two weeks, I have learned several new games. The main purpose of these games is to promote consistency, improve ball placement, and improve overall positioning.

First, the Over-space and Monarch of the court games were used to reinforce the idea of creating more time through the use of height. They also emphasized the idea of preparing early and always stepping forward into the shot. I really like the way the teacher uses these games to introduce all the new skills. I was able to challenge my classmates and in turn myself to improve.

Second, the Dink Tennis game and “Laaa-Diii-Darr” drill were quite useful to help me further improve my level of consistency both in hitting and in serving. I can really see now how late I prepare when hitting my backhand and sometimes on my forehand as well. The idea of reaching forward and hitting the ball out in front has really helped me to improve my drives.

Third, the Mini-court warm-up and Goaltender Game were used to further reinforce the importance of good preparation and positioning. Although I did not have much trouble with these drills, I was able to help several of my classmates in understand how to hit with a space.

Finally, the Net-Drop game and Basket drill were extremely helpful for me. I really like the Drop-ball game because it was very effective in teaching the concept of moving back to get an overhead. In the past, I had gotten use to the habit of always turning around and running toward the direction of the ball hit over my head. The Drop-ball really helped me to understand why my present technique was not very useful. The Basket drill on the other had further helped to emphasize how late I am in my preparation, particularly on the backhand side. I was able to get some use feedback from some of my classmates in this regard. To be completely honest, I have not really had much of an opportunity to help those around me; However, I am getting to know more people in the class which should make it easier to give some helpful hints.

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #5: October 1^st – 5^th

Day: Monday 1^st

Goal(s): Consistency (Serving), Placement (Volley), and Positioning—How can you increase your chance of winning the point?

Game/Task(s): Mini-Court Warm-up, Line Game, Dink Tennis, Volleys, and Service & Split Step

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Balls ranging in level of bounce—rally balls (100% flat), transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Markers, Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

1. Mini-Court Warm-up

· Goal is to be able to hit at a rapid pace for 5 minutes playing Mini-court

· Work toward starting with the above goal before you begin to play full court

· Quick hands and a lot of foot movement

2. Line Game:

· Get a partner

· Each partner get a marker, racquet, and one ball between the two of you

· Identify an area with the markers and the racquet on the court, and each player go to one side of the markers

· Partner#1 bounces the ball on his side first and in the direction of Partner#2 who is on the opposite side

· Partner#2 has to try and catch the ball before it bounces

· Emphasis on trying to take away your opponents time, and also, to increase your positional play

· Racquet push down on ball using a “chopping” action which creates more spin and control—use a backhand grip throughout

· Hitting zone right in front—constantly adjusting to your partner’s position

· Partner should be trying to maintain good alignment at all times

· To increase your level of success try using an easier ball or bounce and hit first

3. Dink Tennis:

· Get a partner

· Each groups gets one ball--set yourself up on court in the service box

· Partner#1 throws feed the ball over the net…Partner#2 volleys the ball back to Partner#1—no bounce before hitting and the ball must be hit up above shoulder hit…repeats until you and your partner have had sufficient practice

· Grip should be backhand grip and movement should be short, deliberate, and dynamic

· Emphasis on always moving back to starting position, racquet in front and moving forward on both backhand and forehand sides—anticipate ball position

4. Volleys:

· one full racquet length, plus one full step back away form the net Incorporating the Split Step

· Running forward to contact the ball, stop and do a split step with legs shoulder with apart...then step forward into volley

· Same rules as above except every time you contact the ball your goal is to move toward the net

· The person volleying should try to make contact well in front, early, and to make a downward chopping action

· Emphasis on trying to take away your opponents time

5. Service & Split Step:

· Sever—emphasis is on serving, running forward, and doing a split step in preparation for volleying on your backhand or forehand side

· Receiver—emphasis is on contacting the ball, split step, and then moving to volley on your forehand or backhand side

Notes/comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 4^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—How can you increase your chance of winning the point?

Game/Task(s): Mini-Court, Goalkeeper Drill, Dink Tennis, 3-Ball Feed Drill, Two-handed Backhand (only those interested), and Round Robin Tournament Introduction.

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Primarily transition balls (75% flat), medium balls(50% flat), & new balls

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

1. Mini-Court Warm-up

· Goal is to be able to hit at a rapid pace for 5 minutes playing Mini-court

· Work toward starting with the above goal before you begin to play full court

· Quick hands and a lot of foot movement

2. Mini-Court with Transition Ball:

· With a partner, the idea is the same as the warm-up but you are using the transition ball to help you gain greater control and therefore, greater consistency

· Hitting zone right in front—constantly adjusting to your partner’s position

· Partner should be trying to maintain good alignment at all times

3. Goalkeeper Drill with Transition Ball

· With a partner, each groups gets one ball—set yourself up in the service box

· Partner#1 at the service line hitting the ball…Partner#2 at the net volleying the ball back to Partner#1—no bounce before hitting and the ball must be with a downward chopping action…repeats until you and your partner have had sufficient practice

· Grip should be backhand grip and movement should be short, deliberate, and dynamic

· Emphasis on always moving back to starting position, racquet in front and moving forward on both backhand and forehand sides—anticipate ball position and try to create space

4. Dink Tennis with Transition Ball:

· one full racquet length, plus one full step back away form the net Incorporating the Split Step

· Running forward to contact the ball, stop and do a split step with legs shoulder with apart...then step forward into volley

· Same rules as above except every time you contact the ball your goal is to move toward the net

· The person volleying should try to make contact well in front, early, and to make a downward chopping action

· Play a game to 5 points—emphasis on trying to take away your opponents time

5. 3-Ball Feed Drill:

· Split Step—link from the baseline to the net

· Emphasis on forehand and backhand slice approach and volley

· Idea of keeping the racquet face open when striking the ball

· Upon contact you chop in a downward motion and push forward with a little wrist turn—counter rotation

· Idea is to slice the approach into the net which keep the ball down into the court and creates more time for you to get to the net

· Perform this task on both forehand and backhand sides

· Emphasis on contacting the ball, split step, and then moving to volley on your forehand or backhand side

6. Two-handed Backhand:

· Top hand is the control hand and is used to direct where you want to hit the ball in the court

· Bottom hand is the power hand and is used to control the amount of power which the hitter wants to use

Progression:

· Top hand only on racquet and try to hit a dropped ball in front of you toward the wall—idea here is to brush the ball

· Same as above but trying to hit over the net and in the service box

· Next drop a ball and try to combine both hands on the racquet when striking the ball

· Basket drill—feeder feed the ball to each corner and the hitter tries to hit the ball to the opposite corner—emphasis here on seeing you back as you take the shot

· Important to try and get to the correct position in order to hit the ball

· If you are not in that correct position then the whole technique fails

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/comments:

We had to sign up for a round robin tournament and had the choice of using the Transition Balls or the Regular Balls. Rules: if you win one game you start the next game 15 love down, repeat for every game you win—best of seven.

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week#6: October 8^th – 12^th

Day: Thursday 11^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—How can you increase the number of balls you hit?

Game/Task(s): Elements of Consistency—4R’^s, Round Robin Tournament, and Video Stroke Analysis Assignment

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

1. Court Warm-up

· Goal is to be able to hit at a rapid pace for 5 minutes playing Mini-court

· Work toward starting with the above goal before you begin to play full court

· Quick hands and a lot of foot movement

2. Elements to Consistency:

· Recovery

· you want to always return to the baseline after every shot

· emphasis on returning to a position behind the baseline

· also emphasized returning to the middle of the court

· all of the above helps to put you in an ideal position to hit the next ball

· Read

· You want to anticipate where the ball will be going after your opponent hit it

· Further emphasis on focusing on the ball just as it passes over the next

· Try predict where the ball will go based on where you hit it previously

· You always want to maintain the angle between you and your opponent

· Respond

· Now you know where the ball is going you must get there in plenty of time

· Remember to have your weight behind the ball at contact

· Also try to prepare as you are moving to the ball; this is not always easy

· Your transition from forward to backhand should be unnoticed

· Try to remember your opponent strengths and weaknesses and exploit them

· React

· This is by far the most important step in the process

· You must focus on the ball and where it is struck

· See the ball from the time it crosses the plain of the net too the time you hit it

· Remember the amount of force that the ball exerts prior to bounce will only increase after the bounce

· Early preparation is key in this step; get your racquet back and the none racquet arm fully extended towards the ball, prior to contact

· This help you to see the ball and to target the stroke to the appropriate target

3. Round Robin Tournament:

· The class will be divided into group of students who share the same interest regarding their choice tennis ball (e.g. rally ball, transition ball, or live ball)

· Each group will consist of players who are evenly matched

· The players from each group will be assigned to plays against each other

· The object of the game is to win as many game out of 7 was you can

· Upon winning a game your opponent receives 15-love towards the next game to a maximum of 40-love

· You must play 7 game no matter what the score is in games

· After you finish you must report your score to the score keeper who will instruct you who to play

· The main idea of this tournament is get all the students to experience real game situations

· Pressure will be felt by the better player when they are face with a 40-love situation and they must win 4 straight points to win the game

· Also, this provides each student with opportunity to play 7 games per match which will help to further their skills

4. Practice Court:

· Any player who are participating in the Round Robin Tournament will be on the practice area

· This area will be used for further instruction by the instructor

· Elements such as service and volley, net play, ground-strokes, and tactics will be thought

· This is an excellent opportunity to practice in a none game environment

· The instructor may chose to emphasize certain points or may ask the majority for an area to instruct

· Emphasis should be placed on trying to improve problem areas, not on working on area of strengths—this does not preclude the opportunity to do things that your good at, but your goal should be to improve all areas of your game

5. Video Stroke Analysis Assignment:

· Dr. Hopper handed out the requirement sheet for this assignment

· He went over the instruction on how to download the information on the and also where we could find the necessary resource to help enhance our presentation

· Dr. Hopper also used the Practice Court area to take some video footage of some students so that they would have an opportunity to view this material immediately

· He really stress the importance of getting started early and on being as thorough as possible

Notes/comments:

Dr Hopper used the practice court area to take pictures of the stroke that each student chose for the Video Analysis Assignment.

BI-Weekly Reflective Thoughts:

What have I learned in the last two weeks, and how can I apply it to my classmates and myself? The main emphasis in the last two weeks has been on putting everything together. Elements such as Split Step, Volley, Overhead Smash, Approach Shot, and Two-Handed Backhand were introduced.

The Split Step was introduced as a highly effective way of preparing to hit a Service or a Volley. This technique allow the participants more time to react to ball and give him/her more options regarding what direction to go in pursuit of the ball. I found this technique quite helpful in my own game because it allowed me greater time to react to my opponent shots at the net. I was able to better point out to my classmate whom I rallied with what they were doing correct and incorrect regarding this technique.

The Drop Ball game was a great game to teach the Overhead Smash. I was able to finally learn how to prepare for an overhead smash, effectively. In the pass, I got into the habit of turning and running towards the ball and then trying to recovery with enough time to hit the ball into the court and over the net. This game was an effective progression to teach the overhead smash skill and also to improve my awareness of the footwork involved in the skill. I found that my partner while participating in this game were very encouraging.

Finally, the Approach Shot and the Two-Handed Backhand were introduced during this two-week period. I have to admit that I was pretty confident with both of these skills, but I felt that this was a great opportunity to pick any new hints that could contribute to my improvement in this area. I did learn the difference between the top and bottom hand role in the two-handed backhand shot. I also learned about the importance of preparing early in order to hit an effective shot. One of my weak areas is my backhand, and I believe it is for the very reason previously stated. My classmates and I had a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of using a two-handed backhand, after class. I found the past two weeks effective in bringing everything together, and I look forward to having an opportunity to putting all that I have learned to the test, in a really game situation.

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week#7: October 15^th – 19^th

Day: Monday 15^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—How can you become more effective in a real game situation?

Game/Task(s): Round Robin Tournament and Pick a Stroke to be Video Taped

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

1. Court Warm-up

· Goal is to be able to hit at a rapid pace for 5 minutes playing Mini-court

· Work toward starting with the above goal before you begin to play full court

· Quick hands and a lot of foot movement

2. Round Robin Tournament

· In an effort to help improve the effectiveness of your play, Dr. Hopper suggested, to those players who may be having trouble serving from the baseline, to move into the court and serve from the service line.

· This should help you improve your chances of getting the ball into the service box

· As you improve your skill level, your are then encouraged to move back to the baseline

· As I mentioned last week , the practice court can be used by those players not playing in the tournament, to practice their skills

· Dr. Hopper also used this area to video tape some more students in the class

· I had an opportunity to complete my video recording today; I think it went well

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 18^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—What can you do to improve your off ball game?

Game/Task(s): Round Robin Tournament

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

1. Court Warm-up

· Goal is to be able to hit at a rapid pace for 5 minutes playing Mini-court

· Work toward starting with the above goal before you begin to play full court

· Quick hands and a lot of foot movement

2. Elements of Consistency:

· We went over the 4 R’s again in the context of effectiveness

3. Round Robin Tournament

· We continued with the tournament and Dr. Hopper again emphasized playing for the experience of improving your match play, consistency, and overall ability.

· Due the format of the tournament, there is great opportunity for the not so good players to learn from the better players and also, for the better players to be pressured by the not so good players through the use of the 15-love handicap after each lost

Notes/Comments:

Byron and I had the opportunity to rally with Dr. Hopper today and it was great. I really had to work very hard to get every ball. I actually found myself thinking about the things that he stressed in class while I was hitting the balls.

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #8: October 22^nd – 26^th

Day: Monday 22^nd

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—How can you become more effective when playing?

Game/Task(s): Ground Strokes and Service with Spin

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

· Bin of balls

Instructions:

1. Court Warm-up

· Goal is to be able to hit at a rapid pace for 5 minutes playing Mini-court

· Work toward starting with the above goal before you begin to play full court

· Quick hands and a lot of foot movement

· Feedback regarding Service—toss the ball in front not behind you

· Practice split step and forward into the court or backward toward the baseline after service—reinforces the idea that something happen after the service

2. Ground Strokes with Spin:

· Early preparation—seeing the ball well in front

· Contact early—step to the ball

· Brushing action when you contact the ball to create spin

· Initially trying to hit the ball inside the service box—progress to include entire court

· Emphasis on having a wider base which allow you to have a better support structure prior to ball contact

· In an effort to illustrate the amount of time there is between the ball bouncing and you hitting the ball, we had to yell BOUNCE when the ball bounced and HIT when we hit the ball—excellent drill to improve awareness of on and off ball activity

· Further emphasis on preparation and waiting to hit the ball—give yourself more time

3. Service with Spin

· Two main progressions to develop spin in your service—UPWARD & MAGNUS EFFECT

· The idea is that you want to hit the ball up in order to it down and into the court with spin

· Service into Wall—take a ball and try to serve it into the wall in front of you; however, the ball must be hit up and into the wall at an approximate height of about 15ft.

· This drill is great for emphasizing the idea of hitting up and also helps to encourage the idea of having a high toss

· Kneel and Service (“peel the orange”)—assume a kneeling position on the service line and facing sideways to the court

· The idea is to serve from the above mentioned position and concentrate on hitting down and over the top of the ball

· Try to focus on the racquet position at contact—the face should be open at contact and upon follow through you should try to make a clockwise circular motion over the top of the ball (peel the orange)

· The Top Spin Service should be thought of as having two phases—upward and reaching over the fence (down and over)

· Serving to Service Box—partners serve on opposite sides trying to put service inside the service box

· Emphasis on trying to hit up and then down and over the top of the ball

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 25^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—How do I know when to do a Split Step?

Game/Task(s): Dink Tennis, Throw-Catch, and 2Up - 2 Back

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Footwork	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

1. Court Warm-up

· Start with Throw & Volley

· Quick hands and a lot of foot movement

· Progress to Dink Tennis

· Concentrate on stepping forward an in toward the net to Volley

2. Throw-Catch

· Start with one partner having a racquets

· Partner#1 with a racquet serves the ball into the service box

· Partner#2 tries to catch it a before it bounces and must anticipate when Partner#1 will make contact with the ball—Spit Step and move to the net

· After Partner#2 catches the ball he/she must try to create room by moving their opponent to an open space

· Repeat until each player has the opportunity to hit and catch the ball

· Very important to practice Split Step before you start to move forward into court

· You must move the instant your opponent catches the ball

· Early preparation—seeing the ball well in front

· Contact early—step to the ball

3. Dink Tennis—Add-on

· Same rule as regular Dink Tennis with a few additions

· The boundaries for the game is the service box to start

· You are trying to win 4 points; if you are successful you add the doubles lane up to the service box to your boundary. If you are successful again, you add the backcourt to your boundary. If you are successful once more, you add the remaining double court to your boundary

4. 2 Up – 2 Back

· This game requires 2 groups of 2 players to play; The idea is to work as a team to win the point—all four players start play at the service line

· One team serves and the other team returns service—service is underhand and the receiving team cannot move until their opponent serves the ball

· If the serving team win the point they move 2 Up to the net and the receiving team moves 2 Back to the baseline

· The serving team then serves again. If they win the point at the net then they are up 1 to nil in score. If they loss the point at the net they move 2 Back to the service line and the receiving (winning) team moves 2 Up to their service line

· Continue until one team win 6 points and declare a winner!

· The object of the game is to win the net—How do you do that?

· You must play in tandem and be committed to working as a team

· Communication amongst partners is essential—if any player is lobed it is their responsibility to get their own lob and their teammate’s responsibility to move back to be in tandem

· If both player are back and the player who is not lobbed is in a better position to return the lob then this is ok provided that the player not playing the lob moves back to be in tandem with their partner

· It is crucial that you cover the net and prevent your opponent form gaining the net

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

BI-Weekly Reflective Thoughts:

What have learned in the last two weeks, and how can I apply it to my classmates and myself? Throughout the last two weeks we have been primarily playing games in a Round Robin Tournament. The emphasis has been on improving our overall court play, and gaining experience through match play. All of the drills, games, and tasks that were introduced in the last eight weeks have all been incorporated in these game situations. Dr Hopper also emphasized the 4 R’s—four elements of consistency: Recovery, Read, Respond, and React.

Although I consider myself to be a good all-around tennis player, I lack one key ingredient to be more successful player, match play experience. The idea of playing in a Round Robin Tournament was not a pleasant thought for me. I have very little confidence in my game when it comes to a real game situation. This has always been my weakness. After further reflection, I was able to see the benefit of being in a tournament. Dr. Hopper mention two week ago that the reason why we would be playing a tournament was to gain experience in several areas: games played, playing better more experience players, and overall dealing with pressure. He hit the name right on the head in regards to my weaknesses.

Dr Hopper’s 4 R’s—four elements of consistency were quite helpful in aiding me assess my game. In each element I was able to identify area for improvement. Recovery—I then to not always go to the next when the opportunity presents it self. I need to be more aware of what is happening on the court when the ball is struck. Read—I am fairly strong in this area but I am weak on planning ahead when I know where the ball is coming. Respond—I guess this ties into the last point of not making a decision until the ball is at my racquet. I need to learn to respond to the shot with a plan in mind and then try to execute that plan. It seems I am always playing a defensive game rather than an offensive game. Finally, React—hitting the ball and reacting to what your opponent is going to do. Although this is not always easy to do, we were introduced to a number of drills to improve this area.

Overall, my tournament experience has not been to bad, but I really don’t enjoy playing in game situation in class. I feel that I have a lot of ability but it is hard to play at my full strength given the format. Maybe that’s an excuse, I don’t know. What I do know is that I have really learned a lot in the last eight weeks, and I have not only been able to translate these new skills to my own game, but also to my classmate. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from others regarding my game, and I have also given a lot of positive feedback to several classmates regarding their game. This class is great!

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #9 October 29^th – November 2

Day: Monday 29^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—What are some key elements involved in doubles play?

Game/Task(s): Brushing Circuits, Self Assessment, 2 Up-2 Back Game, and Introduce Doubles Play

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Getting to the net	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

1. Brushing Circuits—Court Warm-up

· Start inside the service box (10 x’^s Volley) each partner

· Move outside the service line (10 x’^sground strokes)

· Move outside the baseline line (8 x’^s ground strokes beyond the service line)

· Try to complete the above circuit as quickly as possible

· Concept to think about include the idea of dept (Why is it harder to hit balls that are hit deep?)

· You take time away from your opponent because they are usually at the position where you hit the ball an it’s harder for them to adjust to hit the ball effective

· The Window Concept—the area where the ball is struck in relation to your body position—Window #1— height of the ball at your waist; Window #2—height of the ball around your head; Window #3—height of the ball above your head

· At present we “the class” are able to handle balls in Window #1 and #3, but it is the intermediate balls in Window #2 that still cause some problems

2. Self Assessment

· We were asked to take the sheets outline each of the strokes that we will be evaluated on in the course and determine where on the sheet we are at present

· This was an opportunity for those who have not done any assessment of their stroke to see where they are at

3. 2 Up – 2 Back—Modified

· This game requires 2 groups of 2 players to play

· The idea is to work as a team to win the point

· First, all four players start play at the service line

· One team serves and the other team returns service—service is underhand and the receiving team cannot move until their opponent serves the ball

· If the serving team win the point they move 2 Up to the net and the receiving team moves 2 Back to the baseline

· Continue until one team win 11 points and declare a winner!

· The object of the game is to win the net—How do you do that?

· You must play in tandem and be committed to working as a team

· Communication amongst partners is essential—if any player is lobed it is their responsibility to get their own lob and their teammate’s responsibility to move back to be in tandem

· It is crucial that you cover the net and prevent your opponent form gaining the net

· To maximize the effectiveness of this game all the players must be committed to getting to and staying at the net

4. Introduction to Doubles Play

· We briefly went over the strategy involve in positioning when playing doubles

· Specifically, what happens after you service?

· The formation as far as where you stand during your partner’s service as well as receiving service were discuss—Your position is one up (at the net) and one back (at the baseline)

· The idea is for each pair, the one serving and the one receiving, to return to the tandem formation (side by side) as soon as possible

· The receiver of service should try and hit the ball back to the server’s side because he/she, most likely, will be trying to gain the net. This side represents an open space and a potential point

· If the return is offensive and attacking, your partner should remain at the net because you are force the play; however, if the return is defensive, your partner should move back to join his/her partner at the baseline

· It is extremely important to close the angle of attack thereby reducing your opponents chances for success

· The server should try and follow the service to the net thereby reducing the amount of open space. His/ her partner should adjust based on what he/she does (going to the net or staying back at the base line

· Communication is the key in doubles play with the main goal of getting to the net

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 1^st

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—What are some tools that contribute to an overall player?

Game/Task(s): Smash, Service—Spin & Slice, and Doubles & Singles Matches.

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Getting to the net	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

Court Warm-up

· Start with mini-court inside the service box

· Move to one up to volley the other back, then switch

· Move to full court ground stroke—focus on dept and control

· Progress to service—concentrating on consistent motion throughout

1. Smash

· Ideal for hitting balls that bounce high or that are hit defensively high over the net

· The idea is to hit the ball with a great deal of force from an overhead position similar to serving—done in situations where there is a defensive lob

· Progression include the Drop Ball game (see index), Partner feeding lobs, and Partner#1 feeding ball to Partner#2 who lobs it

· Advanced drill include incorporating the lob and smash into your mini-court warm-up where one partner lobs and the other partner does a controlled smash into the service box

· 5 key elements involved in “The Smash” are the following:

· push-off—preparing to strike the ball , you should do a spit step and have your none racquet foot slightly in front to provide you with adequate balance and ability to transition from a low neutral position to a backing up motion

· “Laaa”—the action in the service motion where you bring you none racquet hand up almost pointing to the target. Your racquet should be back behind your head and low

· Sideways to the net—this position allows for and easier crossover motion similar to your service action. It is extremely important to keep your eyes on the target, the ball

· Catch the ball—the idea is that you want to be able to catch the ball that is lobed prior to hitting it. This is a great drill to reinforce your overall body position prior to hitting the ball

· Eastern forehand grip—this grip is ideal because it allows you to have greater control when striking the ball

2. Service with Spin—Review

· Two main progressions to develop spin in your service—UPWARD & MAGNUS EFFECT

· The idea is that you want to hit the ball up in order to it down and into the court with spin

· Service into Wall—take a ball and try to serve it into the wall in front of you; however, the ball must be hit up and into the wall at an approximate height of about 15ft.

· This drill is great for emphasizing the idea of hitting up and also helps to encourage the idea of having a high toss

· Kneel and Serve (“peel the orange”)—assume a kneeling position on the service line and facing sideways to the court

· The idea is to serve from the above mentioned position and concentrate on hitting down and over the top of the ball

· The Top Spin Service should be thought of as having two phases—upward and reaching over the fence (down and over)

· Serving to Service Box—partners serve on opposite sides trying to put service inside the service box

· Emphasis on trying to hit up and then down and over the top of the ball

· Arm being tense contributes a greater number of balls being hit into the net so try to practice your service frequently to improve your ability and overall confidence

3. Service with Slice

· The idea is to strike the side of the ball to cause rotation sideways similar to a circular motion around a pole

· All of the elements of the basic service must be incorporated when performing a slice service

· “Purchase on ball”—mean making contact on the ball as it is presented to you

· toss should be a little to the right if you’re right-handed or to your left if you’re left-handed

· Pretend that there is a pole extending from the ground through your target (the ball). Try to make contact around the pole to create sideways action on the ball

· Upon contact with the racquet the ball will rotate sideways and when it makes contact with the ground it should bounces and move away from area where it landed

· The slice service can be an effective 1^st service but it is has a higher % o failure (ball mostly into the net). It also can be used as a second service if perfected

4. Doubles Play

· There are two very important elements to become an effective doubles player: positioning and teamwork. If you are able to study and apply some basic technique involved in doubles play you will be at a tactical advantage over you and your partner will have a tactical advantage over you partner

· It is possible that with that with a good foundation regarding positioning and teamwork an average player and a club player could be a more effective team that two very good players with a poor understanding of doubles play

5. Doubles and Singles Matches

· We were placed into groups of six and assigned the task of choosing 2 doubles teams, and pick and rank 4 singles player from amongst our group

· We will be playing in a tournament for the rest of the term , and we will be evaluated on our skill during this time

· Team C: Jill (Captain), Robert (Vice-Captain), Colin, Larry, Stuart, & Michelle

· 2 Doubles Team: Team#1—Jill/Colin & Team#2—Robert/Larry

· Singles Players Rank: #1 Colin, #2 Robert, #3 Stuart, and #4 Michelle

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #10: November 5^th – 9^th

Day: Monday 5^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—What two things can be done to improve your success when playing Doubles?

Game/Task(s): Line Game, Goalkeeper Drill, Bounce—Volley Game, and Doubles Play and Matches.

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Getting to the net	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

Court Warm-up

· Start with mini-court inside the service box

· Move to one up to volley the other back, then switch

· Move to full court ground stroke—focus on dept and control

· Progress to service—concentrating on consistent motion throughout

1. Line Game

· Get a partner

· Each partner get a marker, racquet, and one ball between the two of you

· Identify an area with the markers and the racquet on the court, and each player go to one side of the markers

· Partner#1 bounces the ball on his side first and in the direction of Partner#2 who is on the opposite side

· Partner#2 has to try and catch the ball before it bounces

· Emphasis on trying to take away your opponents time, and also, to increase your positional play

· Racquet push down on ball using a “chopping” action which creates more spin and control—use a backhand grip throughout

· If you are getting proficient make a game of it and play for points

· Remember the emphasis is on movement and trying to create some space for yourself

2. Goalkeeper Drill

· Get a partner

· Each groups gets one ball

· Set yourself up on court in the service box

· Partner#1 throws the ball underhand over the net…Partner#2 volley’s the ball before it bounces…repeats until each partner has had adequate practice

· Emphasis on always moving back to starting position at the net

· Keep your racquet in front of you and ready and take a step to the ball being volleyed

4. Bounce—Volley Game

· A slight variation on the previous drill

· Instead of throwing the ball over the net, Partner#1 using his/her racquet and serves the ball by bouncing it from his side toPartner#2 side. The moment the ball is served, Partner#2 moves to the net to volley the service. Similarly, Partner#1 follows his/her service into the net

· Things to remember: split step a soon as the ball is served, move quickly to the net and step to side you wish to volley, try to anticipate the lob

· As the server, follow the service to the net, split step, and take a step to the volley.

· The idea is to prepare yourself for play at the net in doubles play—the goal is to gain the net and stay there to win the point

5. Doubles Play Review

· We briefly reviewed the strategy involve in positioning when playing doubles

· Specifically, what happens after your service?

· The formation as far as where you stand during your partner’s service as well as receiving service were discussed

· Your position is one up (at the net) and one back (at the baseline)

· The idea is for each pair, the one serving and the one receiving, to return to the tandem formation (side by side) as soon as possible

· The receiver of service should try and hit the ball back to the service side because the server will most likely be trying to gain the net. This side represents an open space and a potential point

· It is extremely important to close the angle of attack thereby reducing your opponents chances for success

· Two aspects of communication between partners were introduced: letting your partner know where you will serve, and deciding who will cover balls hit down the middle of the court

· By knowing these two things in advance you have a tactical advantage because you are able to set up in a better tactical position

· Again the emphasis was on communication and teamwork

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Day: Thursday 8^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—What can you do to prolong the point?

Game/Task(s): Smash, Lob & Smash Game, Return of Service, and Singles Matches

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Getting to the net	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court

· Transition Balls

· Markers

· Racquets

Instructions:

Court Warm-up

· Start with mini-court inside the service box

· Move to one up to volley the other back, then switch

· Move to full court ground stroke—focus on dept and control

· Progress to service—concentrating on consistent motion throughout

1. The Smash Review

· Ideal for hitting balls that bounce high or that are hit defensively high over the net

· The idea is to hit the ball with a great deal of force from an overhead position similar to serving—done in situations where there is a defensive lob

· Incorporate the smash into your warm-up

· Partner#1 lobs the ball over the net and Partner#2 tries to hit a controlled smash over the net and inside the service box….repeat until each partner get an adequate practice

· See page 36-37 for the five key elements to hitting a good smash.

2. Lob—Smash Game

· This game require two people…Partner#1 serves underhand into the service box and then follows the service into the net, Partner#2 tries lob the ball over Partner#1 at the net…If successful you get a point and the roles are reversed.

· The main goal is to work on moving back off the net to do a good smash

· You need push off and recover quickly to be successful in this game

3. Service—Volley Game

· This game also requires two players, each must have a marker

· Each partner places his/her marker on the court in line with the service line…Partner#1 Services the ball into the service box. Partner#2 tries to block the Service back and now the point begins…the object is to try and move to the net to be in position for an easy put away.

· Each player is trying to get to the net…If Partner#2 gets to the net first then the idea is to hit a good drive right at him or a good offensive lob over his head

· Remember to always recover and incorporate the spin step when receiving the ball and after the Service

· By putting pressure on your opponent , you gain the upper hand because you are forcing him/her to react to you, not the other way around

4. Singles Matches

· We had an opportunity to play a singles match…here the emphasis was on practicing your skills in a match situation

· All element that we covered in class were available during the match

Reminder Diagram:

Notes/Comments:

BI-Weekly Reflective Thoughts:

What have learned in the last two weeks, and how can I apply it to my classmates and myself? The last two weeks of instructions were primarily centered around Doubles Play and the tactics and strategies involved. These tactics and strategies included the following: positioning, communication, and teamwork. Dr Hopper also stressed the importance of practicing, in order to improve your skill level. We had the opportunity to work on all aspects of our game introduced up to this point in the term.

A key element in Doubles Play is positioning. Both players must in a sense work as one single unit in order to be successful. Success in Doubles Play is defined by who can get to the net and stay there. This position, the net, is the key to taking control of the point, game, and consequentially the match. To reinforce this assertion, we played a game call 2UP-2BACK where the object of the game was to get to the net and stay there. This game was excellent for teaching the idea of getting to the net, and required a great deal of communication to perform successfully.

The next emphasis was on communication, in the context of Doubles Play. We were instructed on the some of the rule regarding playing as a doubles team and it occurred to me that without communication failure was inevitable. Our instructions included what to when the ball is lobbed or what to do if the ball is hit down the middle of the court or where to stand when your partner is serving. All of the elements previously mentioned must be considered as part of your plan for success. It is only through communication can this occur, leading to effective teamwork.

The final emphasis was on teamwork. It can make or break your chances to be successful. Dr Hopper described a doubles team as working in tandem, two players reacting as one unit in all situations. The idea is to work together in order to achieve the common goal, the net. How can this be done? Both players must have sound fundamentals—good mechanics: split step, quick recovery, racquet preparation, movement to the ball, and a whole lots more. Notice that I did not say exceptional mechanics. Although it would be helpful, exceptional mechanics alone does not determine a good Doubles teams. You have to have a balance of each element previously described; positioning, communication, and teamwork are paramount for success.

I have learned a lot about myself in the last two weeks. I’ve learned that I don’t quite, even when things get tough. I’ve learned that I am a real team player; well I guess I already knew that. I also came to realize after doing some self assessment that I don’t have too win every point in every game or every game in every set, to win the match. I know that I always try my best, but sometimes that just isn’t enough to win, oh well! As far as what I can pass on to my classmates, I think I have had the opportunity to play with everyone in the class, and I have learned something from, as well as taught something to, each person along the way. Thank you for the opportunity.

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #11: November 12^th – 16^th

Day: Thursday 15^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—What tactics and strategies do you use, and when do you us them?

Game/Task(s): Singles Matches, and Groups for Skill Assessment

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Getting to the net	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

Court Warm-up

· Start with mini-court inside the service box

· Move to one up to volley the other back, then switch

· Move to full court ground stroke—focus on dept and control

· Progress to Services—concentrating on consistent motion throughout

1. Singles Matches

· Emphasis on using the tools acquired throughout the last 11 weeks

· Hitting zone, creating time, windows, etc.

2. 3-Ball Feed Drill

· reinforce the concepts that will be evaluated next week

· drives, tactics and game strategies, and positioning

Notes/Comments:

All students were assigned a time to be tested for their skill assessment. I was grouped with Jen and schedule to be evaluated on Monday, November 19, at 9:05 a.m. I am really looking forward to being evaluated.

PE 117: TENNIS COURSE LOG

Week #12: November 19^th – 23^rd

Day: Monday 15^th

Goal(s): Consistency, Placement, and Positioning—What elements have been most emphasized throughout the course?

Game/Task(s): Singles Matches, and Skill Assessment

Teaching Points:

Tactical Elements	Skill Elements
Getting to the net	Run, Split Step, step to contact the ball
Quick recovery	Bouncing on your toes—not flat footed
Hitting zone	Racket in front and in ready position
Seeing the ball before it bounces	Early preparation
Creating good chances	Move forward to take time away

Equipment Needed:

· Space in the court, & Racquets

Instructions:

Court Warm-up

· Start with mini-court inside the service box

· Move to one up to volley the other back, then switch

· Move to full court ground stroke—focus on dept and control

· Progress to services—concentrating on consistent motion throughout

1. Singles Matches

· Emphasis on using the tools acquired throughout the last 11 weeks

· Hitting zone, creating time, windows, etc.

2. 3-Ball Feed Drill

· reinforce the concepts that will be evaluated next week

· ground stroke, tactics & strategies, positioning

3. Skill Assessment

· Drives, Volley, Services, Specialty Shots, and Tactics and Game Situation

Notes/Comments:

Read-Back Reflective Thoughts:

What have I learned in the last 12 week as recorded in my log, and what do I intend to do with the course material I have acquired? Prior to taking PE 117, I felt I had a pretty good idea of what playing tennis was all about, I was wrong! I have learned so much to learn and now have a resource to help others in the future.

This course log has provided an opportunity for me to record the elements, concepts, and suggestions that were introduced throughout the course. I have to admit that initially I was not to keen on doing a course log; However, now that I look at the finish product and the totality of the work that I have done in the course, I am quite thankful for the opportunity to do a course log. I feel that I have improved my level of understanding considerably, regarding the game of tennis. This is due in part to the process of listening and then recording the instructions that were given throughout the course. I also think that the process of recording and late reflecting on the concepts introduce during the course was quite helpful in reinforcing those concepts.

What’s now? All of the course material that I have acquired has been beneficial: class instructions, feedback (peer and teacher), course log, video stroke analysis, skill analysis, and practice time. I now have a great resource to use when instruction friends, analyzing myself, or teaching others in a classroom or controlled setting. I also feel that the contents of the course log will help me as I move on to take the PE 461 K course. I now have a better foundation, and I more prepare to progress beyond my present skill level. Another benefit not already mentioned is a sense of accomplishment in completing this log—48 pages.

Final thought, this course has been a great experience. I have learned so much, meet so many new people, and have acquired a greater respect for the sport of tennis. I am quite thankful for the opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor and look forward to taking PE 461 K.