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Drills for Teaching Movement Demonstrate the correct way to move to the ball. Exaggerate what happens if the athlete forgets to take the racket back while running to the ball. Show the hesitation step to prevent running through the ball.   Shadow Drills Coach calls out "running forehand." Athlete runs to hit an imaginary forehand and completes a forehand stroke, executing a "split step" after recovering from each stroke. Coach calls out "running backhand." Athlete runs to hit an imaginary backhand and completes a backhand stroke, executing a "split step" after recovering from each stroke.       Tossing Drills Toss balls to alternating sides and have athletes hit and move. Toss balls progressively farther away from athletes. Toss balls without a pattern and have athletes hit and move.     Feeding Drills with a Basket Athletes stand in a line at the baseline. Players respond one at a time by hitting and moving to a ball fed by the coach. Athletes run side to side to hit a designated number of alternating forehands and backhands.     Five Ball Drill Coach feeds five balls in the following sequence: forehand, backhand, mid-court forehand, backhand volley, forehand volley. Athlete hits five balls and returns to the hitting line.       Agility Drills Shuttle Runs: The doubles sideline is the starting line. Run to the center service line and back to the doubles sideline. Then run to the singles sideline and back. Continue running to far service sideline and back. This can be done several times in a row or on several courts. With four or more players, make a relay race of this drill pitting two against two or three against three etc. Run the lines: Starting in the corner of the doubles sideline, run to the net and backpedal back to the corner. Shuffle over to the singles sideline and run to the net. Backpedal to the service line and shuffle to the center service line. Line jumps: Athletes stand on one side of any line on the court. As fast as possible they jump back and forth over the line for 30 seconds. Jump roping: A great way to increase agility. Do various skipping and hopping routines. Go for speed and endurance.       Key words "Relax" "Look for the ball" "Be ready" "Split step" "Take little steps"     Coaching Tips When waiting in line, athletes should be active by jogging or moving in place, rather than standing still. Balance is the key to moving well. Teach athletes how to be balanced when they hit the ball. Incorporate movement or agility drills at the end of each practice. These drills can be done following the lines of the court and run as relay races. Keep it fun!

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