For decades, tennis coaching has relied heavily on repetitive, isolated drills. Coaches would gather players around a basket, feed them endless balls, and repeat phrases like “follow through” or “watch the ball.” It looks structured, feels productive, and might even seem like players are improving. But for many coaches, there’s a nagging doubt: Are these methods actually helping players perform better in matches?
If you’ve ever felt that doubt, you’re not alone. Research and evidence from modern coaching science reveal that traditional drills often fail to develop the adaptable skills players need for real tennis. Let’s explore why and discuss a better alternative.
The Pitfalls of Traditional Drills
1. Lack of Context
Traditional drills often focus on isolated technical elements like contact point, swing path, or foot positioning. While these details are important, practicing them in isolation strips away the context players need to make decisions in matches. Tennis is a dynamic sport that requires players to adapt to their opponents, the ball’s flight, and constantly changing scenarios.
Example Pitfall: Feeding balls repeatedly to the forehand corner while shouting technical cues. Players might look great in this drill, but once they face a live opponent with unpredictable shots, those technical skills often fall apart.
2. Poor Skill Transfer
Performing well in a drill doesn’t necessarily translate to match success. Why? Because static, repetitive drills don’t replicate the pressure, variability, or decision-making required in real play. Without exposure to match-like conditions, players may excel in practice but struggle to perform when it matters most.
Key Insight: Studies on skill acquisition (Davids et al., 2008) show that learning in representative environments—ones that mimic the real game—enhances skill retention and transfer.
3. No Decision-Making Practice
Traditional drills often remove decision-making from the equation. Players are told exactly what to do, robbing them of the chance to develop tactical awareness or problem-solving skills. In matches, they’re left waiting for instruction—something they won’t get on the court.
A Better Way: Game-Based Practices
Modern coaching methods like those found in My Adaptable Player Method focus on creating game-like environments where players learn to adapt and solve problems in real-time. This approach uses Representative Learning Design (RLD) and the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to make practices more engaging, realistic, and effective.
1. Representative Learning Design (RLD)
RLD ensures that practice mirrors match conditions as closely as possible. Players experience the same pressures, cues, and variability they’ll face in competition, which helps them transfer skills more effectively.
Example Solution: Instead of hitting forehands from a fixed spot, set up a drill where players rally cross-court, trying to move their opponent out of position before finishing down the line. This mimics match play while still working on technical and tactical goals.
2. Constraints-Led Approach (CLA)
The CLA uses task, environmental, or player constraints to guide learning. By tweaking these constraints, you can encourage players to discover solutions and adapt their skills in meaningful ways.
Example Solution: Limit players to two bounces on serve returns to emphasize anticipation and quick footwork. Or set a rule where the server can only serve out wide, forcing the returner to adjust their positioning.
3. Focus on Intentions, Not Perfection
Rather than chasing technical perfection, prioritize clear intentions and outcomes. For instance, instead of obsessing over racket angle, challenge players to serve with the goal of putting their opponent under pressure. This approach fosters creativity and adaptability, allowing players to own their learning process.
Real-Life Success: My Adaptable Player Method
Coaches using My Adaptable Player Method have reported transformative results. Players become more confident, adaptable, and independent on the court. By shifting from rigid, repetitive drills to dynamic, game-based practices, they’ve seen improved match performance and higher engagement from their athletes.
What Can You Do Next?
If you’re ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional drills, it’s time to modernize your coaching sessions. To help you get started, I’ve created a free resource: 5 Game-Changing Drills that will transform your approach and make your sessions more impactful.
These drills are:
- Simple to implement.
- Based on modern coaching science.
- Designed to improve skill transfer and decision-making.
Download the free PDF here and start building practices that help your players thrive in matches.
Final Thought
It’s time to rethink how we approach tennis coaching. The traditional methods that served us in the past may not meet the needs of today’s players. By adopting a modern, game-based approach, we can create sessions that are not only more effective but also more engaging and enjoyable for everyone on court. Let’s move forward together—your players will thank you.
