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Effective Tennis Coaching: Why Receiving Skills Matter Most
Towards More Effective Tennis Coaching: Receive the Love
Tennis is magical. There’s something almost hypnotic about watching that little yellow ball fly back and forth across the net—a mesmerizing dance of grace, power, and precision. It’s basically playing catch, but with a net in the middle and a racket in your hand, which is way cooler. Beginners see this magic, fall in love, and want to join the fun. Then reality hits.
Their first lesson is often a harsh wake-up call: they’re standing in line, taking turns, swatting at a ball with all the confidence of a toddler using chopsticks for the first time. Instructions are barked, but they barely make sense. The ball comes at them like a heat-seeking missile, and their swing sends it flying—anywhere but the court. Over the fence, into the parking lot, maybe straight into orbit.
Many beginners give up after just a few lessons, frustrated, thinking, “This game is impossible.” We, as coaches, are partly to blame.
The Missing Piece: Learning to Receive
As coaches, we’ve traditionally focused on teaching beginners how to hit the ball. But here’s the kicker: hitting is only 25% of the equation. The other 75%? It’s all about learning to receive the ball. Yet, somehow, this crucial skill is often completely ignored in beginner training across the U.S.
So, what are “receiving skills”? Renowned tennis coach Oscar Wegner puts it simply: it’s “finding the ball.” It’s the art of tracking the ball with your eyes, adjusting your body to its spin, speed, and bounce, and positioning yourself to make the right play. Without this foundational skill, even the best swing mechanics in the world won’t matter.
Bounce-Catch: The Secret Sauce
In my classes—whether it’s Mommy, Daddy & Me Tennis, junior Red and Orange ball sessions, or adult beginner clinics—we always start with a simple yet magical drill: bounce-catch.
Here’s how it works:
- Players practice tracking the ball, adapting to its spin and speed.
- They move to catch the ball as it bounces, learning how height affects the bounce.
- Finally, they add the “send” component, tossing the ball back underhand with a finishing motion from their dominant hand to their opposite ear.
It’s deceptively simple but incredibly effective. Not only does this drill teach beginners to adapt to the ball’s movement, but it also reinforces key elements of positioning and control. Plus, it’s fun. There’s no pressure to hit the perfect forehand; it’s just about building confidence and coordination.
Practice Makes Progress
The beauty of bounce-catch is that it doesn’t require a partner—or even a court. Beginners can practice this skill almost anywhere, whether they can access a tennis court, a driveway, or even a living room with enough space. They can work on it with a friend, a wall, or even a willing pet (okay, maybe not the pet). The simplicity of this drill allows beginners to focus entirely on tracking the ball, improving their hand-eye coordination, and refining their timing without feeling overwhelmed by more complex techniques. By tossing the ball underhand, letting it bounce, and then catching it, players create muscle memory that helps them react naturally during real gameplay. Practicing just a few minutes a day, a few times a week, can lead to noticeable improvements, building both skill and confidence in their ability to track and play the ball effectively.
Why This Matters
Since receiving makes up 75% of the stroke cycle, doesn’t it make sense to dedicate the bulk of beginner training to mastering it? Helping players “find the ball” and adapt to its movement will not only increase their success on the court but also keep them engaged with the sport.
By focusing on receiving skills, we can transform that initial frustration into joy and build a strong foundation for long-term growth. So, let’s “receive the love” and give beginners what they truly need to succeed in this magical game.
After all, isn’t it time we made tennis lessons as enjoyable as the sport itself?
