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Hi Arturo,
All of my games/drills have a purpose. I like to use constraints during practices. For example, in a doubles practice match the server must serve and volley on first serves or they lose the point automatically.
I have a game I named Golf that is really good for singles players. The purpose, like golf, is to have the lowest score possible. I explain that there are only three ways a point can end: a forced error; and unforced error; or a winner. If you make a mistake (forced or unforced) you get a point (+ 1). If you hit a winner you subtract a point (- 1). Whoever gets to +5 first loses the game. If a player gets to -5 he/she "wins" the game. It's super rare that a player actually "wins" (-5) a game. High school boys try to hit great shots too often and end up losing too many points. This game makes them think about the shot they're trying to hit and whether it's worth the risk or not.
Another constraint I often use is that the server only gets one serve (singles or doubles). Do you want to hit hard and flat and have a low percentage? Do you want to just push the serve in to just get the point started and let your opponent hit a big return? If the answer to these questions is "no" you better have a good kick/topspin serve. This rule also gets players used to the pressure of hitting a "second serve" under pressure.
I don't do "fun" games or drills. I'm not trying to entertain them, I'm trying to make them better, smarter players.
I know that didn't really answer your question. It sounds like you'll have to drill with your daughter on weekends
You and she can work on skills, techniques, shot selection, tactics for a relatively short amount of time without conditioning. If the drills are very focused you won't need to spend a lot of time per session on them, maybe an hour?
I hope that helped. All the best.
All of my games/drills have a purpose. I like to use constraints during practices. For example, in a doubles practice match the server must serve and volley on first serves or they lose the point automatically.
I have a game I named Golf that is really good for singles players. The purpose, like golf, is to have the lowest score possible. I explain that there are only three ways a point can end: a forced error; and unforced error; or a winner. If you make a mistake (forced or unforced) you get a point (+ 1). If you hit a winner you subtract a point (- 1). Whoever gets to +5 first loses the game. If a player gets to -5 he/she "wins" the game. It's super rare that a player actually "wins" (-5) a game. High school boys try to hit great shots too often and end up losing too many points. This game makes them think about the shot they're trying to hit and whether it's worth the risk or not.
Another constraint I often use is that the server only gets one serve (singles or doubles). Do you want to hit hard and flat and have a low percentage? Do you want to just push the serve in to just get the point started and let your opponent hit a big return? If the answer to these questions is "no" you better have a good kick/topspin serve. This rule also gets players used to the pressure of hitting a "second serve" under pressure.
I don't do "fun" games or drills. I'm not trying to entertain them, I'm trying to make them better, smarter players.
I know that didn't really answer your question. It sounds like you'll have to drill with your daughter on weekends
You and she can work on skills, techniques, shot selection, tactics for a relatively short amount of time without conditioning. If the drills are very focused you won't need to spend a lot of time per session on them, maybe an hour?I hope that helped. All the best.
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