Short court

Get the ball into play and show some understanding of players positioning in singles and doubles. Know basic tennis scoring. Use one touch control and height on shot to create time to play a stroke.

· Prepare early.

· Ready position.

· Keep on the move, keep to centre of opponents target area.

(3)

Full length half court

Participate in a 10+ rally. Show awareness of the opponent’s position in the court by positioning opposite an opponent’s target area. Play to opponent’s weak side in game. Positioning in singles and doubles.

· Try to place shot.

· Try to keep ball deep.

· Keep opponent on the move.

· Fill spaces with partner in doubles.

(4)

Full court

Place ball so as to be best suited to own position in court. Rally effectively using height for time to recover, and pressurize opponent by hitting the ball deep when the opportunity arises.

Use different doubles formations in relation to opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

· High % shots in rally. Across court over low part of net and larger target area of court.

· Down the line when attacking & approaching net to narrow opponent’s target area

· Player follow ball into the net.

· One up and one back in initial position, moving to both up or both back.

(5)

Full court

Start to apply strokes effectively in the game. Show a degree of anticipation by judging when to move to the back of or into the court based on one’s shot and opponent’s position. Show efficient, lateral and backward movement around the court. In doubles show understanding of the basic principles for double’s formations with the use of poaching.

· Make early shot selection.

· Position oneself early to make shot.

· From opponents ability judge likely response.

· Doubles work with partner as one.

· Use calling system.

· Aim to get to the net together.

(6)

Full court

Implement reasonable tactics of hitting deep, hitting long and short and moving into the net in singles and doubles games. Show ability to judge when to serve and volley, and when to rally from the baseline. Show ability to shape a point by own movement and maneuvering of opponent around the court.

Use intercept volley in doubles with some success.

· Use tactics according to game score.

· Serve/Volley when able to put pressure on opponent.

· Vary tactics to surprise opponent.

· Try to plan ahead in rally.

· Communicate with partner shot aiming to do.

· Cover spaces left by partner.

(7)

Full court

Play in the game situation without any obvious weaknesses. Play percentage tennis in competitive game. At all times show tactical awareness of opponent’s position in the court. In doubles serve 60% of first serves in and make 70% of returns. In doubles use a calling system on both serves and on return of serve. Use the lob effectively to get opponents’ off the net. Use spin to control shots. Attack short balls taking the ball on the rise.

· Apply tactics of: 1) Scramble, 2) Pressing shots and, 3) Attacking shots, according to score.

· Try to anticipate how opponent will respond to shot and own position.

· Reduce power to serve to ensure high % going in.

· Keep serve deep and to opponent’s weaker side.

· Try to keep return low and to opponent’s feet.

(8)

Full court

Show all the fundamentals of each stroke with efficient movement. Show ability to develop game strategies such as out-rally and chip and charge, to beat an opponent. In doubles know when to attack and defend. Show effective use of spin and angles to win a point, and respond to opponent’s similar play. Use windows 1, 2 & 3 effectively in a game situation.

· Keep on toes ready for every shot.

· Analyze players to judge weaknesses and strengths.

· Always cover gaps on court, and try to attack by moving to the net or back on the baseline, as a pair.

· Use angles & spin in doubles, length and power.

(9)

Show the ability to assist players to develop their tactical use of skills in the game. Identify opponent weaknesses and player’s own strengths. Explain strategic play in relation to game score.

· Develop drills and practices that focus on tactics of the game.

· Help players to use their skill level appropriately.