Racket-Handling Drills

1. Shake Hands Drill

Take turns with a partner, shaking hands with the racket handle to learn the Eastern forehand grip. Point one edge of the racket down toward the court. Shake hands with the racket. As you shake hands, your wrist is positioned slightly to the right of the top part of the grip for right- handers (slightly to the left for left-handers). Check your partner's grip and ask them to check yours.

Success Goal = 10 correct handshake grips with the racket

Your Score = (#) ______"shake hands" grips

2. Tennis Ball Dribble Drill Use an Eastern forehand grip and bounce the ball on the court, using the racket strings instead of your hand to dribble the ball. After you make contact with the ball, let your racket move up with the bounce of the ball before sending it to the court again.

Success Goal = 25 consecutive bounces

Your Score = (#) ______bounces

3. Air Dribble Drill

Use the Eastern forehand grip with your palm up. Bounce the ball a few inches into the air, using the strings to keep the ball going . Choke up on the racket if you cannot control the ball. Keep it low; you don't have to send it high into the air before the next bounce.

Success Goal = 25 consecutive "ups"

Your Score = (#) ______"ups"