JOHN GILL 10-lesson plan for a beginner tennis player. Each lesson builds on the previous one, focusing on fundamentals, technique, and gameplay.
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Lesson 1: Introduction to Tennis & Basic Rules
Understanding the court layout (baseline, service boxes, alleys).
Learning the basic rules (scoring, faults, lets).
Introduction to tennis equipment (grip types, racket selection).
Warm-up exercises and footwork drills.
Lesson 2: Grip & Forehand Basics
Demonstrate the Eastern and Semi-Western grip.
Learn the correct forehand stance and swing motion.
Practice hitting slow balls to develop consistency.
Forehand rally drill with a partner or coach.
Lesson 3: Backhand Technique
Introduce two-handed and one-handed backhand grips.
Focus on backhand footwork and swing path.
Shadow swings and controlled backhand shots.
Backhand rally drill.
Lesson 4: Serving Fundamentals
Breakdown of continental grip for serves.
Learning the toss and proper body alignment.
Practicing slow-motion serves for accuracy.
Serve-and-catch drill with a partner.
Lesson 5: Return of Serve & Reaction Drills
Understanding how to return a serve effectively.
Practicing split-step and quick reaction movements.
Light return drills using underhand serves.
Playing return games to improve reflexes.
Lesson 6: Net Play & Volleys
Understanding forehand and backhand volleys.
Proper net positioning and footwork.
Volley drills focusing on control and placement.
Mini-net games to improve hand-eye coordination.
Lesson 7: Overhead Smash & Lobs
Learning the proper technique for overhead smashes.
Practicing lobs and defensive positioning.
Combining overheads and lobs in rally drills.
Playing points focusing on net play.
Lesson 8: Movement & Footwork Drills
Developing lateral and diagonal movement.
Practicing recovery steps after shots.
Speed and agility drills (ladder drills, cone drills).
Rally exercises incorporating movement focus.
Lesson 9: Basic Match Play & Strategy
Understanding offensive vs. defensive play styles.
Learning shot selection and positioning.
Playing short sets with guided coaching.
Implementing strategy in point play.
Lesson 10: Full Match Play & Evaluation
Playing a full match with scoring.
Reviewing strengths and areas for improvement.
Setting personal goals for continued progress
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How to play Singles and Doubles with correct strategy and shot selection.
Lesson 4: Serving Fundamentals
Breakdown of continental grip for serves.
Learning the toss and proper body alignment.
Practicing slow-motion serves for accuracy.
Serve-and-catch drill with a partner.
Lesson 5: Return of Serve & Reaction Drills
Understanding how to return a serve effectively.
Practicing split-step and quick reaction movements.
Light return drills using underhand serves.
Playing return games to improve reflexes.
Lesson 6: Net Play & Volleys
Understanding forehand and backhand volleys.
Proper net positioning and footwork.
Volley drills focusing on control and placement.
Mini-net games to improve hand-eye coordination.
Lesson 7: Overhead Smash & Lobs
Learning the proper technique for overhead smashes.
Practicing lobs and defensive positioning.
Combining overheads and lobs in rally drills.
Playing points focusing on net play.
Lesson 8: Movement & Footwork Drills
Developing lateral and diagonal movement.
Practicing recovery steps after shots.
Speed and agility drills (ladder drills, cone drills).
Rally exercises incorporating movement focus.
Lesson 9: Basic Match Play & Strategy
Understanding offensive vs. defensive play styles.
Learning shot selection and positioning.
Playing short sets with guided coaching.
Implementing strategy in point play.
Lesson 10: Full Match Play & Evaluation
Playing a full match with scoring.
Reviewing strengths and areas for improvement.
Setting personal goals for continued progress.
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Lesson 2: Grip & Forehand Basics
Demonstrate the Eastern and Semi-Western grip.
Learn the correct forehand stance and swing motion.
Practice hitting slow balls to develop consistency.
Forehand rally drill with a partner or coach.
Lesson 3: Backhand Technique
Introduce two-handed and one-handed backhand grips.
Focus on backhand footwork and swing path.
Shadow swings and controlled backhand shots.
Backhand rally drill.
John Gill 10-lesson coaching plan for intermediate to advanced tennis players, focusing on refining technique, strategy, and match play.
Lesson 1: Advanced Stroke Mechanics
Fine-tune forehand and backhand technique (grip, swing path, follow-through).
Work on topspin and slice variations.
Advanced Match Play Strategy and play.
Lesson 4: Net Play & Volleys
Advanced volley technique (low volleys, high volleys, half-volleys).
Overhead smashes and anticipation drills.
Approach shot and transition to the net.
Lesson 5: Tactical Match Play – Baseline Game
Constructing points from the baseline.
Shot selection and depth control.
Defense-to-offense transition.
Lesson 6: Tactical Match Play – Net Game & Doubles Strategy
Approaching the net effectively.
Poaching and positioning in doubles.
Using angles to finish points.
Lesson 7: Mental Toughness & Pressure Play
Handling pressure situations (breakpoints, tie-breakers).
Visualization and focus techniques.
Developing a strong, competitive mindset.
Lesson 8: Customizing Play Style & Opponent Analysis
Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses.
Adapting to different play styles (aggressive baseliner, counterpuncher, serve-and-volley).
Identifying and exploiting opponent weaknesses.
Lesson 9: Endurance & Match Fitness
High-intensity drills for stamina.
Strength and flexibility training for injury prevention.
Recovery strategies and nutrition tips.
Lesson 10: Full Match Play & Review
Simulated match with tactical application.
In-depth review of shot selection, movement, and decision-making.
Goal setting for continued improvement.
Lesson 2: Footwork & Court Movement
Agility drills (ladder, cone, split-step timing).
Movement patterns for baseline play and net approaches.
Recovery positioning after each shot.
Lesson 3: Serve & Return Mastery
Perfecting first and second serves (kick, slice, flat).
Effective return strategies (deep returns, attacking weak serves).
Serve placement drills for accuracy and consistency.
