How to Attack the Net | Approach Shot & Volley Lesson w Shamir

Intuitive Tennis
29 Feb 202419:42
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this tennis training transcript, a coach and player Shamir focus on improving Shamir's transition game. They work on handling low balls, moving up and through the court, and executing aggressive volleys. The coach emphasizes the importance of footwork, ball recognition, and being selective with net approaches. They also practice half volleys and discuss strategies for absorbing fast-paced shots. The session aims to enhance Shamir's ability to capitalize on easy points and strengthen his half-court game through intensive drills.

Takeaways
  • 🎾 The player is recovering from an injury and not yet at 100% but has improved since the last training session.
  • 🔄 Emphasis is placed on improving the transition game, particularly handling low balls and moving to the net effectively.
  • 🏸 The 'one two' concept is highlighted for footwork, suggesting a specific rhythm for approaching the net after hitting a shot.
  • 🚀 The importance of high intensity and readiness for explosive movements is stressed for effective play at the net.
  • 👀 Ball recognition and footwork are identified as key to improving overall performance on the court.
  • 🤔 Players are advised to be selective about coming to the net, especially when they are in a defensive position and not on their own terms.
  • 🔄 The concept of 'coming in on your own terms' is discussed, meaning being in control and ready to be offensive when moving to the net.
  • 👍 Positive reinforcement is used throughout the script, highlighting good shots and encouraging the player.
  • 📚 Various techniques such as the half volley, the approach shot, and the volley itself are discussed with tips on how to execute them properly.
  • 🏋️‍♂️ The necessity of being in good physical shape to play an aggressive transition game is mentioned.
  • 🔍 The coach provides detailed feedback on specific shots, helping the player understand what they did well and what needs improvement.
Q & A

  • What is the primary focus of the training session described in the transcript?

    -The primary focus of the training session is on improving the transition game, particularly dealing with low balls and the subsequent volley after approaching the net.

  • What specific technique is emphasized for hitting the forehand volley during the transition?

    -The technique emphasized for the forehand volley is to continue moving up and through the ball with an aggressive style, utilizing the 'one two' step approach to maintain momentum and positioning.

  • How does the coach suggest improving ball recognition during the training?

    -The coach suggests improving ball recognition by being ready back on the baseline, staying on toes, and maintaining high intensity during the training.

  • What advice is given for when a player is in a defensive position and considering approaching the net?

    -The advice given is to be selective about coming to the net when in a defensive position. If a player is scrambling and hitting the ball in a defensive way, they should not come to the net but instead hit the brakes and shuffle back to the baseline.

  • What is the significance of 'coming in on your own terms' in the context of this training?

    -The phrase 'coming in on your own terms' refers to approaching the net when you have forced the play with your own aggressive shot, giving you the advantage and making it easier to be offensive at the net.

  • How does the coach address the issue of hitting a volley when the ball is extremely low?

    -For extremely low balls, the coach suggests bending very low, almost with a knee touching the ground, and opening the racket face to either hit the ball short with backspin or deep.

  • What is the recommended strategy when receiving a hard and fast ball near the net?

    -When receiving a hard and fast ball near the net, the recommended strategy is to absorb the ball with a still hand and body, providing stability and making it easier to deflect the ball back.

  • Why is it important to close the distance to the net when hitting a volley?

    -Closing the distance to the net when hitting a volley is important for two reasons: it gives the player a huge advantage when taking the ball higher on the volley, and it builds momentum, providing additional power and pressure on the opponent.

  • What is the purpose of practicing half volleys and half court scenarios in training?

    -Practicing half volleys and half court scenarios helps players get longer rallies and prepares them for the next progression, which involves opening up the whole court for play.

  • How does the coach suggest handling a situation where the ball is hit too softly or too low near the net?

    -In such a situation, the coach suggests either bunting or slicing the ball to keep it low, making it difficult for the opponent to hit an aggressive shot, rather than hitting a soft topspin that can be easily attacked.

Outlines
00:00
🎾 Transition Game Training

The coach and Shamir are working on the transition game, focusing on improving Shamir's ability to handle low balls and move effectively from the baseline to the net. The coach emphasizes the importance of footwork, ball recognition, and aggressive play. They discuss the 'one two' step technique for transitioning and the strategy of coming to the net on one's own terms. Shamir is encouraged to be selective about when to approach the net and to use high intensity and readiness to make explosive movements.

05:01
🏸 Volley and Half Volley Techniques

In this segment, the focus is on volley techniques, particularly the half volley, which is a more defensive shot. The coach explains how to hit a half volley and the importance of positioning and racket control. They also discuss the strategy of closing the net and the advantages it provides, such as taking the ball early and building momentum. However, the coach also points out that closing is not always possible, especially when off-balance or scrambling, and advises Shamir on when to opt for a defensive volley instead.

10:08
🤾‍♂️ Advanced Volley Play and Absorption

The coach and Shamir continue to refine Shamir's volley skills, addressing common mistakes such as getting feet stuck or stomping into the ball. They work on maintaining balance and momentum with the 'contact one two' step. The coach introduces the concept of 'absorption' for dealing with hard, low balls, where a still hand and body are crucial for stability. Shamir is encouraged to develop 'hands of steel' to deflect the ball effectively, especially when transitioning from a lunging position.

15:08
🏓 Full Court Volley Practice and Strategy

Towards the end of the training, the coach expands the practice to the full court, incorporating different types of shots including forehand and backhand attacks. The emphasis is on attacking the opponent's weaker side and playing out points effectively. The coach provides feedback on Shamir's volley contacts and the importance of solid contact points. They also discuss the strategy of playing with the geometry of the court and the importance of protecting the crosscourt corner. The session concludes with a focus on high intensity and the need for good physical shape to excel in transition game play.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Transition Game
The term 'Transition Game' refers to the phase of play in tennis where a player moves from the baseline to the net in an attempt to take control of the point. In the video's context, it is a weak area that the player is working on, especially dealing with low balls. The coach emphasizes the importance of improving the forehand volley and the aggressive play that follows, as seen in the script where the coach says, 'today we're going to work on transition game... especially when you get low balls.'
💡Forehand Volley
A 'Forehand Volley' is a shot played with the player's dominant hand side, typically executed near the net after the ball has bounced. It is a crucial skill in tennis for taking control of the point in the transition game. The coach in the video is instructing the player to improve this skill, as evidenced when he says, 'see I like the forehand volley to be hit also in transition.'
💡Contact Point
The 'Contact Point' is the location where the player's racket meets the ball. It is vital for controlling the direction, spin, and power of the shot. The coach discusses the importance of the contact point in relation to volleys, stating 'remember the contact one two that we talked about,' indicating the sequence of steps leading up to the contact point for a volley.
💡Aggressive Style
An 'Aggressive Style' in tennis involves taking the initiative to control the point and applying pressure on the opponent. The coach mentions this in the context of improving the player's transition game, saying 'it's going to be a more aggressive style... you're going to come in and you're going to go through.'
💡Footwork
In tennis, 'Footwork' is the movement and positioning of a player's feet, which is essential for reaching the ball effectively and setting up shots. The coach highlights the importance of footwork for better ball recognition and to be ready for explosive movements, as mentioned in the script: 'how you going to get better at ball recognition, you have to be ready back there... footwork is key.'
💡High Intensity
'High Intensity' refers to the level of effort and energy a player exerts during a match or practice, particularly when moving quickly and explosively. The coach encourages the player to maintain high intensity, as seen when he says, 'high intensity, high intensity okay, stay on your toes.'
💡Baseline
The 'Baseline' is the back line of the tennis court that players stand behind when serving and rallying. The coach instructs the player to return to the baseline after a defensive shot, as indicated by 'Shuffle back to the Baseline.'
💡Valley
In the context of this video, 'Valley' seems to be a term used to describe a type of volley or shot that the player should practice. The coach repeatedly uses the term 'Valley' when instructing the player on shot selection and technique, such as 'come and Valley come on from here.'
💡Half Volley
A 'Half Volley' is a tennis shot that is played after the ball has bounced but before it reaches its peak height, often requiring the player to bend their knees and make contact with the ball at a lower point. The coach and player discuss the half volley, with the coach explaining it as a block shot or bunt, as seen in 'how to hit a half volley, but it's basically it's just a block shot yeah or or sometimes it has to be a bunt.'
💡Absorption Shot
An 'Absorption Shot' is a defensive play where the player absorbs the pace of the incoming ball by making minimal racket head speed, often used to neutralize a hard-hit ball. The coach talks about the importance of having a still body and solid hands for absorption shots, as mentioned in 'you have to have hands of Steel and just deflect the ball back.'
Highlights

The player is not yet 100% recovered from an injury but is better than before.

The focus of the training is on improving the transition game, particularly handling low balls.

Emphasis on the importance of moving through the court and not just standing still.

Technique for transitioning with a forehand after a backhand shot was discussed.

The 'one two' step technique was highlighted for aggressive play.

The need for better ball recognition and readiness in high-intensity situations was mentioned.

Coach advised not to approach the net defensively but to be selective and come in on your own terms.

The concept of 'on your terms' versus 'on your opponent's terms' in net play was explained.

Player Shamir was praised for an aggressive play and a great forehand.

Importance of closing the net and the advantages it provides was discussed.

Technique for hitting a half volley and the importance of racket control was covered.

The player was instructed on how to handle a low forehand when close to the net.

The difference between offensive and defensive volleys was explained.

The importance of body stability and solid hands when absorbing fast, low balls was highlighted.

The concept of 'reset' in tennis by hitting deep to neutralize a point was introduced.

The player was advised on when to bunt or slice the ball in certain situations.

The training moved to practicing transition game in a lifeball scenario.

Importance of high intensity and being ready to make explosive movements was emphasized.

The player was encouraged to work on fitness to handle the demands of a transitional attack game.

The training concluded with the opening of the whole court for further practice.

Transcripts

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Tennis CoachingTransition GameVolley TechniquesForehand TipsBackhand StrategyNet PlayTactical AdviceCourt GeometryAthletic MovementGame Improvement