The Chair Drill
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Tennis (Video Link): The Chair Drill for Low Balls
Dick Moss, Editor, PE Update.com
As we discussed in a previous PE Update.com article, "Balance Drill for Low Groundstrokes," bending at the waist is a common error when reaching for low groundstrokes.
This error reduces balance and power, slows court movement, affects accuracy and shot selection and increases the risk of injury. A better practice is to get closer to the ball and bend at the knees, allowing for a balanced, head-up power position.
Here's another drill that develops the ability to bend at the knees when hitting low groundstrokes.
The Low Ball Chair Drill
The hitter sits on the edge of a chair placed in the middle of the baseline. A partner crouches about six feet in front of the chair and tosses low balls to either side of the hitter.
The hitter slides off the chair and hits the ball. Hitters must make sure that their hips don't rise as they slide off the chair towards the ball. Instead, their front leg should be bent at about 90º and their back should be straight and upright.
After making contact, hitters stay in that low position for a few seconds before moving back to the chair. If they stay low, their return will be low. If they stand up too soon, the ball will sail high.
They move back to the chair, then once again sit on the edge and wait for the next toss.
This drill also develops leg strength - your players will definitely feel their thighs burning as the drill progresses and they have to maintain that low, upright position.
Video Link
You can see a video demonstrating this drill at the following link:
http://www.playsportstv.com/tennis/tennis-tips_low-ball-drill
References:
1. Gilad Bloom, Tennis Tips, Low Ball Drill, A Video on PlaySportsTv, 2009.
http://www.playsportstv.com/tennis/tennis-tips_low-ball-drill
2. Dick Moss, Balance Drill for Low Groundstrokes, PE Update.com, 2009.
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© 2009, Physical Education Update, www.peUpdate.com
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