We all know the importance of the first four shots in tennis…over 75% of pro points are won and lost within the first four shots. You can imagine what the percentage is amongst recreation players is!

Consistency and placement of the returns. Maintaining depth and angle. Statistics show that 85% of ATP and WTA first serve return placements are cross court centre.

This together with the planning on the server’s first strike based upon their serve placement and thereby the expected angle and placement of the return

The receiver then reacting to the server’s first strike by either choosing to attack or neutralise.

Ok, so we have all the information required to create realistic coaching drills right? But wait here’s the problem, just how many combinations and scenarios are there in just the first four shots alone?

Well let’s just say there are well over 30.

Basically over 30 scenarios as used by the top ATP and WTA pros that players and coaches should be drilling and rehearsing if they are to reach their full potential.

These combinations don’t just include shot variation and selection they also include the many angles, depth height and spin.