Assessment Criteria for the Drives

The criteria will be given on a 9-point scale. The criteria applies to both backhand and forehand strokes.

Cate-gory

Area of play and Criteria

Teaching Pointers

 

(1)

Short court

Demonstrate the forehand and backhand stroke with correct grip and played sideways on, from partner hand feed.

‘Shake hands’ grip – Palm on top of the handle.

·         Turn shoulders sideways to ball, turn hips.

·         Hit ball at waist knee height. Take racquet back early at hip height.

·         Watch ball at all times.

 

(2)

Demonstrate the backhand stroke with grip change.  Hit 5 consecutive shots from partner feed.

As above, except:

·         Backhand grip – Palm turned to back of handle.

·         Hip turn less.

·         Racket taken back lower.

 

Double handed. Performed in half size tennis court.   Hit 5 consecutive shots from partner feed.

Grip – eastern forehand grip plus other hand.

·         Hip turn as with forehand.

 

(3)

Half court

Be able to change grip from a feed. Show movement and positioning in a game.  Able to keep ball going in 10 shot rally.

·         Use non-racquet hand to change grip.

·         Always return racquet to ready position after shot.

·         Select shot and prepare early when possible.

·         Concentrate on the ball.

 

(4)

Full court

Perform shots with movement around the full court. Play coach and partner in game. Perform rally with partner changing grip hitting both forehand and backhands. Target 20 shots.

Footwork, small steps.

·         Play shot balanced and comfortable distance away from body.

·         Use non-racquet hand to balance upper body.

·         Keep head down during stroke.

·         High follow-through.

 

(5)

Full court

Play with greater consistency. Handle high and low bouncing balls in the game. Personally hit 10 consecutive shots from mixed feed in full court on both forehand and backhand sides.

·         Anticipate flight of ball. Move accordingly.

·         Early preparation with racquet taken back height going to hit ball.

·         Bend knees.

 

(6)

Full court

Control depth and placement of shot in drills and game situations. Show ability to put pressure on an opponent in game. Hit (50%+) to the pressing zones beyond the service lines.  Able to direct the ball across court or down the line as needed.

·         Adjust height of ball clearance over net.

·         Control pace of shot.

·         Angle racquet face.

·         Adjust timing of shot. Hit ball early to go across court, or late to go down the line.

 

(7)

Full court

Ability to control your shots using spin (slice and topspin) on at least one side. Demonstrate good technique on drives. Footwork around the court should show anticipation and understanding of tactics. As above with use of spin/power to attack pressing zones.

·         Topspin – Hit from low to high.

·         Brushing action under & over ball.

·         Strokes with balance, control and follow-through.

·         Position according to shot and opponents response

 

(8)

Full court

Demonstrate use of spin (slice and topspin) on both drives. Employ power in strokes effectively at the right time to win a point or make an opening (windows 1, 2 and 3). Show correct positioning on court to play strokes based on opponent’s target area and positioning.

·         Early preparation with shot selection

·         Timing  - Respond to speed of shot.

·         Use whole body in stroke.

·         Take ball on the rise when time.

·         Move into court response to shot.

 

(9)

Full court

Demonstrate effective instruction of peers in relation to their individual ability. Coach a 3-ball feed drill.

·         Diagnose errors in strokes.

·         Break sown elements of stroke to simplify.

·         Simple to gradually more complex practices.

·         Ensure the player understands how to improve and why they need to make the changes.