Can I do these drills with a partner instead of a ball machine ?

Yes. A coach or partner can feed the exact sequences. The key is consistent order and honest scoring so the pressure stays real.

How many repetitions should I do per session?

Start with 6 to 12 games total, splitting into short sets. Quality over quantity. If accuracy drops, stop and rest or reduce speed.

What age or level are these match pressure tennis drills for?

They are scalable. Beginners can slow the feeds and shorten sequences. Intermediate and advanced players can add pace, spin, and tighter recovery triggers.

Should I track scores or just count successful sequences?

Track scores. The match-style scoring reinforces pressure and gives clear feedback on progress under realistic conditions.

Stop Losing Points! Practice These 2 Match Pressure Tennis Drills

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

Match Pressure Tennis Drills: 2 Realistic Practice Routines

If you want to simulate match intensity and stop losing easy points, these match pressure tennis drills are designed to recreate realistic scoring stress while building consistency, focus, and net play. I use them with a PongBot ball machine or a feeder, and they work whether you are a player, coach, or parent.

Why these match pressure tennis drills work

Both drills force you to treat every ball as a point-deciding shot. Missing any single ball hands the opponent a point, so you practice concentration, movement under fatigue, and shot selection exactly like in a match. They also condition you physically because the sequences include baseline rallies, approach shots, volleys, and overheads.

Drill 1: All-Court Six-Ball Sequence

Purpose: train baseline consistency, short ball recognition, approach timing, volley technique, and finishing with an overhead under pressure.

Setup: Position the ball machine or PongBot robot at the baseline. Set it to feed a fixed sequence of six balls: forehand from the baseline, backhand from the baseline, a short ball for an approach, a backhand volley, a forehand volley, and an overhead.
Rule: To earn one point (15), you must hit all six balls in. If you miss any of them, the machine gets the point. Continue accumulating points to 30, 40, and game.
Coaching cues: Move forward aggressively on the short ball, take the ball early into the volley, and prepare your overhead with split-step timing. Pace yourself – this drill is physically demanding.
Variations: Reverse ball order, add topspin or slice, shorten recovery time, or change feed pace to increase difficulty.

Drill 2: Serve-and-Volley Game Simulation

Purpose: train effective serving, quick approach, first volley control, and closing out points at the net under realistic pressure.

Setup: Serve from the baseline. After an in serve, rush to the net. Program the machine or feeder to begin feeding volleys once you reach a designated recovery spot halfway between the net and service line.
Rule: The point requires one in serve plus four volleys in to earn the point. Two serve attempts are allowed to simulate real match serving rules. Any miss gives the opponent the point.
Coaching cues: Use the first serve aggressively, then take small steps, and controlled volleys. Focus on footwork, getting into the recovery trigger zone so the feed starts when you arrive.
Variations: Practice from both deuce and ad courts, adjust serve type, or shorten the time between feed and approach to raise pressure.

Practical tips and programming

Use a ball machine app to save and repeat these exact drills; increase spin or speed as you improve.
Limit continuous reps if players get exhausted. Short sets recreate pressure without excessive fatigue.
Turn drills into short games to build competitive focus: best of 3 games or sudden-death game points.

volley tennis technique, Bianca, WebTennis24

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do these drills with a partner instead of a ball machine?
Yes. A coach or partner can feed the exact sequences. The key is consistent order and honest scoring so the pressure stays real.
How many repetitions should I do per session?
Start with 6 to 12 games total, splitting into short sets. Quality over quantity. If accuracy drops, stop and rest or reduce speed.
What age or level are these match pressure tennis drills for?
They are scalable. Beginners can slow the feeds and shorten sequences. Intermediate and advanced players can add pace, spin, and tighter recovery triggers.
Should I track scores or just count successful sequences?
Track scores. The match-style scoring reinforces pressure and gives clear feedback on progress under realistic conditions.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Master Tennis Ball Feeding with Technique and Progression Drills

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

How to Master Tennis Ball Feeding: Technique and Progression Drills

I teach tennis feeding the way I wish someone had taught me: simple, repeatable, and focused on control. In this article, I break down tennis ball feeding step by step so you can feed practice partners or students like a pro.
I use the continental grip because it gives me versatility – flat, light topspin, or even a touch of slice – while keeping feeds consistent and easy to control, especially during group drills.

Why I Use the Continental Grip for Tennis Ball Feeding

I call it Continental or ‘hammer’ grip because you hold the racket like you would a hammer. That grip keeps the racket face slightly open, which helps clear the net when you are close and prevents excessive topspin that can bury feeds into the net.
When you use a forehand grip like semi-western, the racket plane closes and naturally produces more topspin.
For starting rallies or teaching beginners, I prefer feeds with minimal spin so the receiver gets an easy ball.

Key Technical Principles

Before you start drilling, lock these technical cues into your routine. They are short and specific, so you can repeat them until they become automatic.

Grip: Continental, relaxed grip.
Wrist and forearm: Keep a roughly 90-degree angle between the forearm and racket with the wrist locked. No collapsing or excessive wrist flicking.
Elbow position: Keep the feeding elbow close to your body. Think of your arm as a pendulum with the elbow anchored.
Backswing: Short backswing. Start the racket just slightly behind the shoulder line – no big swing. The goal is a push, not a stroke.
Contact: Toss the ball with your palm up, lift it gently, and push it with the slightly open racket face (about 10 to 20 degrees open). Minimal follow-through.
Finish: Stop with the racket pointing toward the target. Do not finish with a full forehand follow-through.
Weight transfer: Start with the weight on your back foot and transfer to the front foot during the push.

Progression Drills I Use

Progression builds control and consistency. I use three simple stages so you and your students can feel success quickly.

Close to the service line: Stand just behind the service line with a basket of balls. Continental grip, wrist locked, elbow close. Toss palm up, lift the ball gently, push it over the net – no swing. Aim to get the ball just over the net. Practice until you feel stable.
Step-back routine: After you make three consecutive successful feeds over the net, take one step back. Repeat the three-feed step-back pattern until you reach the baseline. This gradual increase in distance forces a slightly longer preparation while preserving the short push action.
Baseline feeds: From the baseline, you will take the racket a bit further back to give yourself room, but keep the short backswing and locked wrist. Maintain the slightly open racket face to produce a flat-ish feed with minimal spin. Aim for the feed to go about three feet over the net and land just beyond the service line so the receiver gets a comfortable first ball of the rally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls:

Letting the wrist collapse or using too much wrist action. That kills consistency.
Using a forehand grip for feeding. It often produces too much topspin and nets the feed – especially when close to the net.
Over-swinging and following through like a normal forehand. Feeds should be a controlled push with a short follow-through.
Elbow away from the body. That creates a big swing and less control.

How I Use Tennis Ball Feeding in Group Coaching

For rapid feeding in group lessons I rely on the continental grip because it lets me feed quickly and accurately without sending the balls into the net. When players need many reps, I keep feeds low-spin and flat so recipients can focus on rhythm and footwork instead of fighting varying bounce and heavy topspin.

What grip should I use for tennis ball feeding?

Use the continental grip. It gives you versatility to feed flat, slightly spun, or sliced balls and helps you clear the net when you feed from close in.

How do I hold my wrist and racket?

Keep the wrist locked with about a 90-degree angle between the forearm and the racket. Maintain a relaxed but steady grip and avoid collapsing the wrist.

Where should I stand and how should I progress?

Start just behind the service line and feed until comfortable. After three successful feeds, move one step back. Repeat until you reach the baseline and can feed consistently from there.

How high and where should the feed land?

Aim for the ball to clear the net by about three feet and land just past the service line (see the video above). That gives the receiver an easy, low-spin ball to start the rally.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

No Partner Needed! 3 Cardio Tennis Drills with a PongBot Robot

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Training | 0 comments

3 Cardio Tennis Drills to Improve Footwork, Spacing, and Speed

This article lays out three of my favorite cardio tennis drills you can do solo using a ball machine like PongBot. If you want to move faster, prepare earlier, and stop getting jammed by the ball, these cardio tennis drills are simple, effective, and scalable for any level.

Why these cardio tennis drills matter

All three drills focus on three fundamentals: early preparation, efficient footwork, and proper spacing between you and the ball. They double as a conditioning session and a technical workout, so you build endurance while fixing common errors like being too close to or too far from the ball.

Drill #1: Spanish Drill at the Net

Set up cones down the center to divide the deuce and ad halves. From the net, alternate forehand volley, forehand groundstroke, backhand volley, backhand groundstroke. Run four-ball series into deuce, then ad, then down-the-line, then crosscourt.
Progressions: keep it simple for control, or place shots tightly to force explosive recovery and precise spacing.

Drill #2: 7-Ball Drill

Start at the corner for seven forehands while moving along the baseline; the seventh is a short ball you run in and push over the net.
Then move to the opposite corner and repeat seven backhands, same pattern.
This drill trains you to prepare early, manage distance, and sustain movement patterns.
Aim all forehands to one side and backhands to the other for added challenge.

Drill #3: Volley Work

Machine on the baseline, you at the net. Machine feeds side-to-side; you intentionally hit backhands where you’d normally hit forehands and vice versa.
Add sets of six left, six right, then six down-the-line and six crosscourt.
This forces rapid footwork, early setup, and net control.

Practical tips

Start slow to ingrain movement patterns, then increase pace and spin.
Use short series (4–8 reps) and rest briefly to keep intensity high.
If you own a PongBot, download the provided drills and customize pace, spin, and placement. Use code CTT5 for a 5% discount.

How often should you do these cardio tennis drills?

2–3 times per week is ideal for most players; alternate with technical and recovery sessions. Adjust volume based on fitness and court time.

Can beginners use these drills?

Yes. Reduce pace, focus on placement, and shorten sequences. The drills build foundational movement and spacing, even for newer players.

Do I need a ball machine?

No, a hitting partner can feed these patterns. A ball machine like PongBot makes repetition easier and lets you precisely control pace, spin, and placement.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

11 Tennis Drills and Techniques You Can Do Better with TopspinPro

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

Creative Ways to Practice Spin, Serve, and Movement

In the video above, we demonstrate how TopspinPro transforms practice by showcasing 11 drills that accelerate learning. If you want to feel slice and topspin almost instantly, this TopspinPro tennis drills approach is hard to beat.

Overview

The TopspinPro is a portable training tool that creates consistent spin on balls so you can see and feel the path of slice, topspin, and kick serves.
As I say, “it makes teaching and learning so much easier” and it’s “one of the best ways to learn and feel slice and topspin almost instantly.”
You use it to practice slice and topspin forehand and backhand, slice and kick serves, volleys, drive volleys, serve+1 sequences, and movement/cardio patterns.

What you can do with it

Topspin forehand & backhand: feel the brush-up motion and ball arc in real time.
Slice forehand & backhand: instantly recognize face angle and contact.
Slice and kick serves: repeatable ball flight to learn wrist and swing path.
Volley and drive-volley contact: practice punch timing and spin control.
Footwork, return of serve, and cardio drills: simulate rally variability for movement training.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Immediate tactile feedback, accelerates motor learning, versatile for many drills.
Cons: Additional cost, requires setup on the court, may need practice to integrate into regular sessions.

Who it’s for

If you coach, learn faster with feel, or want to add structured drill variety, the TopspinPro is ideal. It’s useful at beginner to advanced levels – especially when you struggle to “feel” topspin or slice during solo practice.

Recommendation

For players and coaches serious about accelerating skill transfer, the TopspinPro tennis drills are a practical guide. It helps you isolate technique, get instant feedback, and repeatable reps that translate quickly to match play.

FAQ

Q: Is it easy to use?
A: Yes – set it up on court and adjust spin; beginners will grasp basics in a few reps.
Q: Will it replace live partner practice?
A: No – it’s a complementary tool that speeds skill acquisition between partner sessions.
Q: Can it help serve mechanics?
A: Yes – use it for both slice and kick serve feel.
Q: Where to buy?
A: Purchase from the TopspinPro site or authorized dealers; coaches often share a 10% off discount link.

Try integrating the TopspinPro tennis drills into short, focused sessions, and you’ll notice faster gains in spin awareness, contact quality, and movement patterns.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Practice This Tennis Serve More Often

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Training | 0 comments

Why You Should Prioritize Tennis Serve Practice from the Ad Side

You want your serve to hold up when it matters most, so make your tennis serve practice count by focusing on the ad side.
Practicing more serves from the ad side helps you build confidence in the exact situations where pressure points usually occur.

Why the ad side matters

In match play, many of the pressure moments when you’re serving fall on the ad side. Think of those game-closing or breakpoint-like scores: 30-40, 40-0, 0-40, advantage-in (ad in) points, and even mid-game pressure sequences like 15-30 or 30-15. Because you’ll often be serving from the ad side during those moments, your tennis serve practice should reflect that reality.

Which serve to prioritize

When you want reliability under pressure, focus on the slice and kick serves from the ad side. These serves tend to feel more controllable and safer than a flat first serve when nerves kick in. The slice can jam your opponent, while a well-executed kick can push the returner up and give you time to take control of the point.

Practical drill ideas

Hit a block of 20 slice serves from the ad sideline into the deuce-court box, aiming for a consistent target.
Alternate 10 kick serves and 10 slice serves during a simulated game where every second serve is “under pressure” (imagine it’s break point).
Practice first-serve percentage by counting how many of 30 serves land in under simulated pressure; focus on depth and placement rather than sheer speed.
Use a partner to return and force you to play out the point after the serve so you rehearse the transition from serve to rally.

How this improves match play

By repeating the same patterns and serves you’ll use in real pressure moments, you build muscle memory and mental certainty. When you’ve done the same slice and kick combinations from the ad side countless times in practice, they’ll feel familiar instead of shaky during a crucial game. That’s the goal of targeted tennis serve practice: prepare the exact scenarios you’ll face so you can execute confidently.

F.A.Q.

Q: Should I stop practicing serves from the deuce side?

A: No. Balance is important. But prioritize more reps from the ad side since many pressure points occur there. Keep some deuce-side work to maintain variety.

Q: How often should I include ad-side serves in practice?

A: Aim for at least half of your serving reps to come from the ad side during focused serve sessions, and increase that percentage before tournaments or important matches.

Q: Are slice and kick the only serves to practice?

A: They’re the most reliable under pressure, so give them priority, but keep developing a dependable flat serve for surprise and variety.

Q: How do I simulate real pressure during practice?

A: Create point scenarios (e.g., “this is game point” or add a penalty for missed serves), practice under time limits, or have a partner hand out consequences for double faults to increase mental pressure.

Bottom line: Tailor your tennis serve practice to the situations you face most often. Put more reps on the ad side, focus on reliable slice and kick patterns, and rehearse pressure scenarios so your serve becomes a consistent weapon when the score is tight.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Never Miss the Drive Volley Again! Tennis Lesson

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

In this tennis lesson, I explain where to execute the drive volley, the subtle technical differences from a forehand groundstroke, and a step-by-step progression of drills you can practice today. The goal is simple: take the ball early, hit with purpose, and move forward to finish the point.

Why the drive volley matters

The drive volley is an aggressive, attacking shot. Most of the time it is a put-away: you take the ball early and force your opponent into a defensive reply. Even when it doesn’t finish the point outright, it often produces a weak response that lets you close the rally.
In match play, the player who can consistently execute the drive volley converts pressure into points.
This drive volley tennis lesson focuses on repeatable mechanics and progressive drills so you can build that consistency.

Three technical differences from a forehand groundstroke

Technically, the drive volley is similar to a forehand (or backhand) groundstroke, but there are three important differences to remember:

Contact happens in the air – you take the ball before it bounces.
The point of contact is higher – aim to strike around the chest to shoulder level.
The ball is dropping faster when taken in the air, so you must swing and aim higher or the ball will sail into the net.

Preparation and grip: how I set up

Grip: I use the same grip I do for a regular forehand groundstroke: either an Eastern (hand on bevel 2) or a Semi-western (bevel 3). Keeping that familiar grip helps the feel and timing when switching from baseline rallies to taking balls early.

Footwork and positioning: you will usually be well inside the baseline – around the service line or even closer to the net – when you prepare for a drive volley.
As soon as you see your opponent produce a high, floating return, move forward quickly. Good footwork and balance are the hardest parts of this shot because you need to get your body behind the path of the incoming ball quickly.

Body setup: load your weight on the outside (back) foot and bring the racket back with both hands. Keep your non-dominant hand on the racket neck to ensure a solid shoulder turn. Elbow slightly elevated; racket face roughly 45° pointing upward; dominant palm facing down; strings slightly angled down.
This setup is nearly identical to a forehand, except you will take the ball in the air.

Contact: chest/shoulder level, short backswing, low-to-high

Where to hit: aim to make contact at chest or shoulder height – the higher you hit, the easier it is to clear the net. Letting the ball drop lower increases the chance of hitting the net.

Backswing: keep it short. You don’t want a large wind-up. For the drive volley, the racket should stay just behind the incoming ball. Practice tossing balls up to yourself and see how the racket naturally drops into the correct position without a long take-back.

Swing direction: swing low-to-high. Because the incoming ball may have underspin or be dropping quickly, a low-to-high path helps lift and clear the net. Brush up and slightly across to add spin when appropriate.

Initiation: start the swing with the hips, then let the shoulders and arm follow. This sequencing keeps the shot compact and powerful without over-swinging.

Follow-through: finish across the body and transfer weight

When you brush up and across the ball, the racket travels across your body and typically finishes near the waist. If you’re imparting more spin, the finish can end lower around the hips. After contact, transfer your weight from the outside foot onto the inside foot – finish with your whole body moving forward.

Net positioning after the shot: a successful drive volley usually results in a powerful ball that your opponent blocks back. Do not retreat to the baseline – move forward to the net and be ready for a finishing volley.
The drive volley should be followed by aggressive net coverage so you can convert the point.

Common mistakes and how I fix them

Too big a backswing: This leads to timing issues and nets.
Fix: shorten the backswing – keep the racket just behind the ball and let the swing drop naturally.
Contact too low: Hitting when the ball is below chest level makes it harder to clear the net.
Fix: step forward earlier and meet the ball higher.
No weight transfer: Staying on the back foot reduces power and control.
Fix: consciously push weight from the outside foot to the inside foot as you swing.
Finishing with the racket too high: If you’re not brushing the ball, you may lack spin.
Fix: brush up and across to finish nearer the waist for extra spin and control.
Retreating after the shot: Moving back to the baseline gives your opponent time.
Fix: immediately approach the net after your drive volley and prepare to volley again.

Final tips and review

Keep the grip you use for your forehand. Anticipate early and get your outside foot behind the ball as soon as you see a floating return. Short backswing, contact at chest or shoulder height, low-to-high swing path, brush across for spin, and finish with weight on the inside foot. After the shot, move forward and be ready to finish the point with a volley.

I’ve found the drive volley to be one of the most satisfying offensive shots – play it aggressively and with good footwork.

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where should I stand to hit the drive volley?

A: Generally well inside the baseline – around the service line or closer to the net. You want to be positioned so you can take the ball early at chest/shoulder height.

Q: What grip do you recommend for the drive volley?

A: Use the same forehand grip you already use – eastern (bevel 2) or semi-western (bevel 3). This keeps the feel and mechanics consistent with your groundstroke.

Q: How high should I make contact?

A: Aim to make contact around chest to shoulder level. The higher the contact (within reason), the easier it is to clear the net and dictate the point.

Q: Should I follow the shot to the net?

A: Yes, always move forward after a drive volley. The shot is usually heavy, and opponents often block the return. You should be in a position for a finishing volley rather than retreating to the baseline.

Q: How can I practice this alone?

A: Start with tosses to yourself, then use a ball machine or feed from a basket. Focus on short backswing, chest-level contact, and low-to-high finish. Gradually add movement and match-like feeds.

Closing

This drive volley tennis lesson lays out the technical essentials and a practical progression you can use on the court. Keep your backswing short, contact the ball higher than a groundstroke, swing low-to-high, and always move forward to finish the point.
Have fun with it – it’s an aggressive, rewarding shot that changes the match when executed well.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

3 Must-Practice Advanced Beginner Tennis Drills (with PongBot)

by Cosmin {WebTennis24} | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

Beginner Tennis Drills: Placement & Consistency Under Pressure

In the above video, I walk you through three beginner tennis drills that I regularly use with players who have the basics down and want to improve accuracy, consistency, and confidence. I use a PongBot tennis robot, but every drill works just as well with someone feeding balls.

Why these drills work

These beginner tennis drills focus on repetition under a little pressure, clear objectives, and a simple scoring or timing system so players can measure progress. Each drill targets a specific aspect: directional control on groundstrokes, depth consistency, and volley placement.

Drill 1: Groundstroke Under Pressure

Setup: Divide the court into deuce and ad halves. The player rallies side-to-side.
Scoring: +1 for each ball that lands in the target half, −1 for any miss (other side, net, or out). The goal is to reach +4 before falling to −4 (see the video above).

Why it helps: The incremental reward system encourages focus and calm under small amounts of pressure. It forces the player to prioritize control over power and reinforces consistent footwork and recovery.

Drill 2: Deep Groundstroke

Setup: Place cones along the service line. The machine feeds balls side-to-side.
Scoring: +1 when the ball lands between the service line and baseline (deep), −1 for short, beyond baseline, net, or out. Do it for two minutes and tally the score.

Why it helps: This drill trains players to hit with depth, an often overlooked but crucial element for controlling rallies and pushing opponents back. The timed format builds endurance and consistency under continuous pressure.

Drill 3: Volley Placement

Setup: Move the recovery position to the net (see video above). Practice six volleys to deuce side, six to ad side, then six down the line, and six crosscourt. Use a tight recovery zone so each feed waits until the player is ready.

Why it helps: Beginners often can make proper contact but struggle with placement. This drill isolates volley direction and forces quick decision-making and compact technique at the net.

Coaching tips

Use a ball machine for steady, repeatable feeds; a human feeder works too.
Keep targets realistic for the player’s level – adjust the cone placement and recovery zone size.
Provide short, specific feedback between repetitions (footwork, racquet face, contact point).

FAQ

Q: Can I do these drills alone?

A: Yes. A ball machine is ideal, but a partner feeding consistently will work equally well.

Q: How often should I practice these beginner tennis drills?

A: Two to three focused sessions per week will produce noticeable improvement in accuracy and confidence.

Q: Are these drills suitable for absolute beginners?

A: They’re best for advanced beginners who have basic forehand, backhand, and volley mechanics and need to add consistency and placement.

Want to improve quickly? Practice with clear targets and measurable goals – consistency beats power every time.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

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