Session plan
Creating an advantage
Getting started
Setup
Choose players to see your setup
Groups & equipment
Choose the number of players to see groups and the equipment you'll need.
Groups
Equipment
Warm-up
- One lap plus dynamic stretches, keep it quick and focused.
- Don't worry about a hit-up, just dive straight into the session.
- Sort players into groups by skill level during the warm-up.
Kick-off
- Briefly explain the session and skill focus.
- Split into groups.
- Coaches start with their groups.
Developing awareness
Tennis ball touchdown
Focus
- Looking off the ball, finding space and connecting with teammates.
Time
- 5 mins
Rules
- No sticks. Start with a jump ball.
- Catch and stop, no running with the ball.
- No contact, intercept or block only.
- Dropped or blocked ball = turnover.
- Complete 3 passes before entering the end zone. Defenders stay out.
Small game
Find your teammate
Focus
- Build the habit of looking off the ball.
Time
- 10 mins, break after 5.
Rules
- Designate a player who must pass to a specific player on their team.
- After 5 mins, switch – give the other team this rule.
- Don't let the other team know who has to pass to who.
- Main goal: push only, from close range.
- Other goals: run the ball through either.
- No turnovers after goals.
Creating an advantage (2 v 2)
The skill
How to do this skill
- Create a rule that the second attacker must always be ahead of the ball on a 45 degree angle (no leading back to get it).
- Take players through the different types of scenarios based on the positioning of the second defender.
- Practise each one in isolation, then try doing it where defenders are passive to begin with, but start in different positions (making the ball carrier choose which decision to make).
- Then go into a 2 v 2 competitive exercise.
When to use
- You’re in a 2 v 2 situation.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, explain the concepts when doing a 2 v 2. Emphasise the question to keep asking, where is the space?
1Give the pass
Where is the space?
- If: Second defender is sitting off teammate.
- Then: Pass to the open teammate.
2Go yourself
Where is the space?
- If: Second defender is marking teammate closely.
- Then: Beat the first defender to move into the space behind.
3Run at back defender
Where is the space?
- If: Second defender is sitting off teammate, close enough to intercept & block space behind.
- Then: Run at the back defender to ‘square up’ the defenders, and pass ball in behind them.
2 v 2 competitive
Focus
- Experimenting with different concepts.
Time
- 10 mins, everyone has a turn defending.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the drill.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions as players go through.
Small game
Focus
- Creating an advantage.
Time
- 10 mins, break and swap ends after 5.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the game.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions after the game.