Forehand and Backhand Clears
Teaching Points:
  • use standard forehand or backhand grip for clears
  • non-racquet hip should be facing the net
  • racquet leg should be bent at the knee and most of your weight should be on the racquet foot
  • non-racquet shoulder should be pointing towards the net
  • racquet should be at an upward angle, a natural extension of the arm
  • as the racquet hip pushes toward the net, the racquet shoulder moves toward the net as well and starts to initiate the arm action
  • begin a throwing motion, the elbow leads the wrist, as the elbow moves forward, the forearm pronates and the wrist flexes so that at contact, the raquet arm is almost straight at contact

Station Task:
  • in pairs, first practice the drill without the birdies to get a feel for the movements
  • the movement is: run up to the net to simulate a net shot and then back to the backcourt for a forehand or backhand clear, repeat
  • the partner can feed the backcourt shots and as extenstion, feed net shots as well
  • the feeder must make sure to time the feeds so that the player has enough time to get up and back but isn't dawdling
  • concentrate on proper clear techniques
  • trade after 10 turns, it gets tiring pretty fast!

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