The proliferation of tennis drills on social media has influenced coaching practices, raising questions about their efficacy. A new Tennis Practice Assessment Scorecard helps coaches evaluate drills based on their potential to transfer skills to competitive play. The focus should shift from mere aesthetics to the actual learning context and impact on performance.

The effectiveness of tennis drills hinges on their relevance to real match scenarios and the player’s engagement with them. Instead of simply following popular drills, coaches should design practices that address specific player challenges, ensuring they retain important competitive elements. This nuanced approach optimises skill transfer and fosters genuine improvement in performance.

W. Timothy Gallwey’s “The Inner Game of Tennis” revolutionised coaching by advocating for reduced instruction and non-judgemental observation, suggesting players perform better when they trust their instincts. However, its effectiveness lacks empirical validation as a theoretical framework, requiring careful scrutiny of claims and distinguishing immediate performance from true learning.

Basket feeding in tennis is often defended for building player confidence through predictable drills. While it can lead to successful outcomes in practice, this confidence may not transfer to matches where players face unpredictable challenges. To foster robust confidence, players should be exposed to varied situations demanding decision-making and adaptability, rather than simply practising controlled repetitions.