Session plan
Receiving
Getting started
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.
Receiving on the move
The skill
How to do this skill
- Align your body forwards.
- Trap with your head over the ball.
- Stay in 1 o’clock position.
When to use
- You are running down the field, pass is coming from your left or right, you have time and space to continue forward.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Receive from right to left
Take off at the 25 line, receive a pass on your forestick, stay in 1 o’clock. Slowly build up speed.
2Receive from left to right
Take off at the 25 line, receive a pass on your forestick and move straight. Slowly build up speed.
3Receive from both sides
Take off at the 25 line, receive a pass at speed on the move. Alternate between both sides.
Small game
Focus
- Receiving on the move.
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.
Open receiving
The skill
How to do this skill
- Align forwards.
- Step towards the ball to fake the trap.
- Let the ball come across your body.
- Return to 1 o’clock position.
When to use
- A pass is coming towards you, defender approaching, space to receive across your body.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Receive from right to left
Step towards the ball. Let it come across your body before trapping. Slowly build up speed.
2Receive from left to right
Step towards the ball. Let it come across your body before trapping. Slowly build up speed.
3Receive from both sides
Work on receiving from either side. Do it at speed now.
Small game
Focus
- Open receiving.
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.