We wanted to share with you an interesting way to use your Tennis Court Bench as a Learning Tool. Many court benches have parallel rails that provide a useful track for the ball. These types of benches are a great tool for a drill we have been taught. One of the tennis professionals we work with has developed a neat drill, that you can practice alone or with a friend, that can help your stroke. These drills are for mainly for beginners, and larger children, but the advanced player might find some use as well.
Here’s the progression.
With the bench flat:
1. Place ball in front of students strings and have them walk or push the ball along the bench till it falls into a basket at the end of the bench. Do this with forehand and backhands.
2. Place the ball in front of the students strings and have them push the ball so it rolls on its own (no moving feet) into a basket at the end of the bench.
3. Roll the ball to the student from one side of the bench. Student stops the balls with racket then rolls it back up the bench (no moving feet).
4. Roll the ball to the student from one side of the bench. This time the student swings racquet instead of stops it so ball rolls back up the bench.
Use this same progression but create a slope with the bench by stacking something underneath it. Place the bench right in front of the net so student can have success getting the ball over the net. This will allow the student to get the feel for how to push forward and upward to create arc over the net.
Repeat these drills 2-3 times for 1-3 minutes each. Use this drill for a light warm up and to break up your practice sessions.
For a fun competitive game, try to make as many as you can in the bucket or over the net in a row.
Another great use for the bench is a conditioning tool. To get an amazing cardio workout that can boost performance and explosiveness on the court do this drill when you are tired or to warm up. If you do this to warm up AND when you are done playing, you will see better performance all around. Always remember, Cardio IS King, in all sports.
Here’s the progression.
1. Slowly step up to the bench with one foot. Press yourself up with one leg and do not let your second foot touch the bench. Go back to the floor with both feet. Step back up with the same leg and repeat process. Do this 10 times, then switch legs. Do 3-5 sets on each leg gradually building your speed. Always keep a pace that is controlled and safe for your abilities.
2. Slowly step up to the bench with one foot. Bring your other foot up so you are standing on the bench momentarily. As your second foot touches bring your first foot back to the ground. Then bring your other foot back to the ground. Repeat this process 10 times alternating legs. Do 3-5 sets gradually building your speed. Always keep a pace that is controlled and safe for your abilities.
3. This drill may not be for everyone but is a must if you are a serious athlete. Start standing about 2 feet away from the bench. With both feet jump onto the seat of the bench and steady yourself. Jump back down. Do this 10 times. Do 3-5 sets gradually building your speed. Always keep a pace that is controlled and safe for your abilities.
4. For someone who is really athletic you can do 2 footed jumps over the bench to build power throughout your torsoe and legs. This can be dangerous. If you are uncertain of your abilities, do not attempt.
Tennis court benches are designed by tennis players and are perfect for use on a tennis court. There are tennis benches that are ideal for public places and others that are built for residential use. For this drill you need a special bench that you can view in the link below. Use these tips to think up some more ways to improve your game with a tennis court bench! See the Tennis Court Bench we recommend using. We think you will find this tennis drill useful and fun. Try it today and let is know what you think. Thanks for taking the time to read our article!