Live Ball Down the Middle

Key Points

• ​​Progression from Bucket Drills: Once you can hit 10 in a row during bucket drills, transition to live ball training to build real-match consistency.
• Focus on Consistency: Hit targets down the middle with proper height and depth, starting at half-speed to establish control and rhythm.
• Measure Improvement: Track progress by increasing the number of consecutive shots on target over time (e.g., 5 to 10 or more).
• Live Ball Applications: Progress from down-the-middle drills to cross-courts, inside-out forehands, and side-to-side patterns to replicate match play.
• Warm-Up Discipline: Value the warm-up to refine range, balance, height, and depth while focusing on disciplined, consistent shot-making.
• Mental and Physical Focus: Mistakes happen; use them as opportunities to adjust, stay disciplined, and aim for consistency on the next shot.
• Progression Rule: For all these target drills, the player must hit 10 balls to the cones before progressing to the next drill.