Practice Diary | By Andrew Magrath & John Littleford
MODERN
TENNIS
INTERNATIONAL
TENNIS IN MINUTES PRACTICE DIARY
MTI Practice Diary
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
2 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
Introduction – Your voyage of discovery starts here!
This diary is designed to help you plan your own ‘Buddy’ tennis practice sessions.
We realise that in today’s modern lifestyle, time is of a premium and many people
don’t make enough time for themselves, especially with regards to leisure.
You and a practice partner(s) or as we call them your ‘Tennis Buddy (ies)’, can run
a decent practice anything from 15 minutes onwards, depending on the time that
you have available.
That being said, the real beauty of our syllabus is that although the steps shown
are very much progressional, you may re visit any progression at anytime to
reinforce any point of practice. In fact, we strongly recommend that you do
precisely that.
So don’t worry if you feel you need more time to practice the progressions,
especially if there are two shots to practice.
In any sport, you will find the top sports people doing just that. You are NEVER
too good to re visit the basics in order to hone your skills. Whenever a shot goes
amiss, it is normally one of the basic fundamentals that needs fine tuning.
These fundamentals although very simple, are the foundations beneath your
advanced skills and must never be overlooked!
We will now take you through the steps to success!
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Step 1- Receiving your monthly DVD set
Upon receiving your DVD set, simply watch it to your heart’s content again and
again.
Through the aid of this powerful visual learning, your brain will quickly pick up the
progressions.
Also read the eBook supplied. This medium will back up all that you have seen
and even better, you may print it off and take with you to the court. Alternatively,
you can download our audio CD to your iPod or MP3 player. You can even play it
in the car stereo on the way to the court.
Step 2 – Arrange your practice session
Arrange a regular weekly tennis practice time at your club, local park or centre
with a practice partner(s). Yes you can have more than one!
In fact if there are 2 to 4 of you all practicing together then that not only makes it
more fun because you can play doubles but also should anyone not be able to
make a session then there will always be someone else to play so you won’t miss
out.
If you find the time to play more than once a week, then so much the better.
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Step 3 - The Modern Tennis Practice Session
So now you are on court.
The first thing here is to agree the shot(s) that you are going to practice as per this
diary.
The Modern Tennis practice session format is very simple to follow indeed.
We have carefully broken down your lesson into 6 phases.
Phase 1: The warm up
This should include a game of throw and catch whilst moving each other around.
As you improve, you can include some light ‘hitting with the racket’. After a series
of rallies to each other, you may spice things up by playing points at this stage. It
makes things more interesting and gets you in the mood to play.
More importantly, you will maintain your timing as shown via the DVDs. You will
also begin to learn about tactical shot placement and the importance of being
consistent whilst keeping your errors down to a minimum.
You may if you so wish to do some light jogging exercises across the court
depending on the time that you have. These are all called ‘ply metrics’ where you
are stretching and warming up on the move to prevent injury.
Phase 2: The easy feed
Once you have received your DVD set, then you will be ready to start your
progressions as shown.
For each progression shown you need to easy feed to each other.
The easy feed phase is where you and your partner take turns to feed balls to
each other in such a manner where you can hit the ball easily.
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The best way is when the ball is fed ‘underarm’ from the hand.
As the player moves back (where appropriate) you can either continue to feed
with your hand or racket. You will get more control holding the racket by the
throat this way.
Take turns to feed 10 to 20 easy feeds each.
Phase 3: The rally
The rally phase is where you and your partner exchange similar shots back and
forth over the net in a cooperative fashion.
For every progression shown, you will need to rally with each other. This makes
the Modern Tennis learning experience so much more fun!
Set yourselves an easy target of say a 5 ball rally and then gradually build up to
10, 20 and so on.
As you build your rallies, don’t be afraid to move each other around the court a
bit more.
The rally phase can even be applied to serving. Just start on opposite sides of the
net and serve across the court to each other.
Whenever you hit a successful serve in the correct service box then you will be
allowed to move back. If you hit an unsuccessful serve, you simply stay where you
are.
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Phase 4: The part point
Once you have completed the progressions shown on your DVD, it’s then time to
put the shot into a game situation.
Simply take turns to feed a ball to each other so that you start a rally with the
shot being practiced and then proceed to play out the point using any shot you
wish.
Feel free to incorporate a tennis scoring system here, or you can simply play up to
say 10 points with one of you starting the rally each point. After the first game
then swap over with the other player feeding the ball in to start the rally.
It is during this phase, that you can really work on your tactical game.
You will accomplish this by working on your shot placement and consistency. As
you practice each stroke, you will also discover which shots suit you personally,
and at what time and situation during the rally you would prefer to play them.
Phase 5: The full point
Now it’s time to put it all together!
Don’t worry if you feel that you haven’t mastered a particular shot in one lesson!
Very few people actually do and you have plenty of time to practice. The idea here
is to complete every on court session with a full tennis point.
Well after all, that’s the idea isn’t it? To be able to play tennis? So in that case
always finish off with a few games. Play a full set if you have time.
You may play full court or even half court if it makes you feel comfortable.
You may also serve under arm but we urge you to practice your over arm serve
wherever possible.
• Don’t forget that the rules of tennis can be found on your CD rom (supplied).
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As a result you will build your strengths and weapon shots that you love to use
time and time again.
You will also get to know what your partner’s (turned opponent at this time)
strengths and weaknesses are, and therefore you will be able to formulate a game
plan to defeat them! The trouble is, they will be doing the same to you!
This is what makes the game of tennis so exciting and wonderful to play. There
are such an array of shots and tactics at your disposal.
Tennis in Minutes will help you discover them all.
Phase 6: Cool down and feedback
After you have played a few games, and if time allows, you can cool down by
having a few easy rallies to cool down. Use this time to chat with your partner
about what you learned and experienced from the session. This will help reinforce
the teaching points.
Now all you need to do is to shake hands and make sure that you have another
practice session all booked in your diaries.
Your personal Tennis in Minutes practice session organiser
We will now help you plan your training starting from when you receive your DVD
set.
We have devised the following weekly planner, showing you which shot
progressions to practice during each week.
We will assume that you are playing once a week. Should you be able to play
more; then simply repeat the weekly programme.
Remember, you cannot practice anything too much!
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Chapter 1 – Modern Tennis module 1 syllabus; Confidence and Control
The secret fundamentals of Modern Tennis and the Topspin Forehand
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the DVD
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
1. Modern Tennis timing - Throw and Catch rally. Then play tennis points
2. Push and Pose with the index finger through the throat
3. Repeat with a choked racquet grip
4. Grip variation
5. Introduction to “Ready Position”
6. Push and Pose from ready position
7. Repeat with a full grip
8. Rallying whilst slowly moving back to the baseline
9. Full court rally using the topspin forehand
10. Practice hitting the ball from side to side so that you move your partner
around the court.
11. Play plenty of part points
12. Play full points from either half or full length court. Each point to start
with an underarm/overarm serve
13. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
9 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 1, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
1. Modern Tennis timing - Throw and Catch rally. Then play tennis points
2. Push and Pose with the index finger through the throat
3. Repeat with a choked racquet grip
4. Grip variation
5. Introduction to “Ready Position”
6. Push and Pose from ready position
7. Repeat with a full grip
8. Rallying whilst slowly moving back to the baseline
9. Full court rally using the topspin forehand
10. Practice hitting the ball from side to side so that you move your partner
around the court.
11. Play plenty of part points
12. Play full points from either half or full length court. Each point to start
with an underarm/overarm serve
13. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
10 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 1, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
1. Modern Tennis timing - Throw and Catch rally. Then play tennis points
2. Push and Pose with the index finger through the throat
3. Repeat with a choked racquet grip
4. Grip variation
5. Introduction to “Ready Position”
6. Push and Pose from ready position
7. Repeat with a full grip
8. Rallying whilst slowly moving back to the baseline
9. Full court rally using the topspin forehand
10. Practice hitting the ball from side to side so that you move your partner
around the court.
11. Play plenty of part points
12. Play full points from either half or full length court. Each point to start
with an underarm/overarm serve
13. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
11 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 1, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
1. Modern Tennis timing - Throw and Catch rally. Then play tennis points
2. Push and Pose with the index finger through the throat
3. Repeat with a choked racquet grip
4. Grip variation
5. Introduction to “Ready Position”
6. Push and Pose from ready position
7. Repeat with a full grip
8. Rallying whilst slowly moving back to the baseline
9. Full court rally using the topspin forehand
10. Practice hitting the ball from side to side so that you move your partner
around the court.
11. Play plenty of part points
12. Play full points from either half or full length court. Each point to start
with an underarm/overarm serve
13. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
12 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 2 – Modern Tennis module 1 syllabus; Confidence and Control
The Two Handed and One Handed Topspin Backhands
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
Two Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Push & Pose with your non-dominant hand only
2. One hand two hand drill
3. Two hands all the time
4. Rally of backhands moving back to the baseline
5. Forehand and Backhand Rally moving back to the baseline
6. Practice hitting the ball from side to side
7. Play part points
8. Play full points
9. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
13 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 2, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
Two Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Push & Pose with your non-dominant hand only
2. One hand two hand drill
3. Two hands all the time
4. Rally of backhands moving back to the baseline
5. Forehand and Backhand Rally moving back to the baseline
6. Practice hitting the ball from side to side
7. Play part points
8. Play full points
9. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
14 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 2, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
One Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Push up and finish with hand
2. Hold the frame in bicycle grip
3. Rallying
4. Throat Grip
5. Tracking with the butt
6. Rally
7. Full Grip
8. Grip Change from forehand to backhand
9. Ready Position
10. Rallies – hit forehands and one handed topspin backhands
11. Play part points
12. Play full points
13. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
15 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 2, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
One Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Push up and finish with hand
2. Hold the frame in bicycle grip
3. Rallying
4. Throat Grip
5. Tracking with the butt
6. Rally
7. Full Grip
8. Grip Change from forehand to backhand
9. Ready Position
10. Rallies – hit forehands and one handed topspin backhands
11. Play part points
12. Play full points
13. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
16 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 3 – Modern Tennis module 1 syllabus; Confidence and Control
The Serve and Forehand and Backhand Smashes
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Serve
1. Throwing
2. Pushing Up with Hand
3. Learning Spin
4. Pinch Grip
5. Grip Down
6. Full Grip
7. Serve and Ready Position
8. Serve to Targets
9. Play full points from half or full court
10. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
17 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 3, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Serve
1. Throwing
2. Pushing Up with Hand
3. Learning Spin
4. Pinch Grip
5. Grip Down
6. Full Grip
7. Serve and Ready Position
8. Serve to Targets
9. Play full points from half or full court
10. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
18 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 3, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Serve
1. Throwing
2. Pushing Up with Hand
3. Learning Spin
4. Pinch Grip
5. Grip Down
6. Full Grip
7. Serve and Ready Position
8. Serve to Targets
9. Play full points from half or full court
10. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
19 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 3, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Forehand and Backhand Smashes
The Forehand Smash
1. Track and Catch
2. Track and Hit
3. Pinch Grip with Racquet
4. Track and Hit
5. Full grip and hit
The Backhand Smash
6. Pinch Grip on throat
7. Track and Hit
8. Full Grip
9. Play part points
10. Play full points
11. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
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20 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 4 – Modern Tennis module 1 syllabus; Confidence and Control
The Forehand and Backhand Slice and Dropshots. The Forehand and Backhand
volley
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Forehand Slice and Dropshot
1. Choked Grip
2. Forehand Drop Shot
3. Full Grip
4. Ready Position with grip change
5. Practice hitting the ball from side to side
6. Play part points
7. Play full points
8. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
21 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 4, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Backhand Slice and Dropshot
1. Choked Grip
2. Backhand Drop Shot
3. Touch and push drill
4. Full Grip
5. Practice hitting the ball from side to side
6. Play part points
7. Play full points
8. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
22 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 4, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Forehand Volley (High, mid and low volleys)
1. Use of Hand
2. Racquet Progression
3. Throat
4. Full Grip
5. Forehand Half Volley
6. Volley Rally
7. Play part points
8. Play full points
9. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
23 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 4, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Backhand Volley (High, mid and low volleys)
1. Choked Grip
2. Full Grip and ready position
3. Full Grip and Ready Position
4. Volley Rally
5. Play part points
6. Play full points
7. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
24 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 5 – Modern Tennis module 2 syllabus; Vertical Power
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. The Practice Session
2. Finding your shape and power naturally
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
25 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 5, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. The Practice Session
2. Finding your shape and power naturally
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
26 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 5, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. The Four Finishes
2. Practice rally utilising different finishes
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
27 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 5, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. The Four Finishes
2. Practice rally utilising different finishes
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
28 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 6 – Modern Tennis module 2 syllabus; Vertical Power
The Advanced Topspin Forehand continued.
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. Leg Power
2. Plasterer Forehand
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
29 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 6, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. Hitting off Back foot
2. Taking the ball early
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
30 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 6, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. The Forehand Topspin Lob
2. Play part points
3. Play full points
4. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
31 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 6, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Topspin Forehand
1. Hitting cross court
2. Hitting down the line
3. Combination drill
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
32 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 7 – Modern Tennis module 2 syllabus; Vertical Power
The Advanced Two Handed Topspin Backhand
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Two Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Finding your shape and power naturally
2. The Two Finishes
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
33 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 7, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Two Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Leg Power
2. Plasterers Two Handed Backhand
3. The Approach shot
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
34 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 7, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Two Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Taking the ball on the rise
2. Hitting off the backfoot
3. The Two Handed Backhand Topspin Lob
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
35 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 7, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Two Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Hitting cross court
2. Hitting down the line
3. Combination drill
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
36 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 8 – Modern Tennis module 2 syllabus; Vertical Power
The Advanced One Handed Topspin Backhand
Session1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced One Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Finding your shape and power naturally
2. The Two Finishes
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
37 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 8, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced One Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Leg Power
2. Plasterers Two Handed Backhand
3. The Approach shot
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
38 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 8, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced One Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Taking the ball on the rise
2. Hitting off the backfoot
3. The One Handed Backhand Topspin Lob
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
39 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 8, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced One Handed Topspin Backhand
1. Hitting cross court
2. Hitting down the line
3. Combination drill
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
40 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 9 – Modern Tennis module 2 syllabus; Vertical Power
The Advanced Sliced Forehand and Backhand including Dropshots
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Sliced Backhand and Dropshot
1. Finding your shape and power naturally
2. The Backhand Dropshot
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
41 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 9, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Sliced Backhand and Dropshot
1. Hitting cross court
2. Hitting down the line
3. Combination drill
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
42 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 9, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Sliced Forehand and Dropshot
1. Finding your shape and power naturally
2. The Forehand Dropshot
3. Play part points
4. Play full points
5. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
43 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 9, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Sliced Forehand and Dropshot
1. Hitting cross court
2. Hitting down the line
3. Combination drill
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
44 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 10 – Modern Tennis module 2 syllabus; Vertical Power
The Advanced Serve and Return of Serve
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Serve
1. The ball lift
2. Practice the four service contacts; Flat, Slice, Heavy and Topslice (kick)
3. The ‘hat’ drill
4. ‘Throwing the edge’ drill
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
45 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 10, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Serve
1. Leg power
2. Play full points
3. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
46 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 10, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Serve
1. Serve and First Strike
2. Play full points
3. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
47 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 10, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Return of Serve
1. Contact variations
2. ‘Chip and Charge’
3. Play full points
4. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
48 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 11 – Modern Tennis module 2 syllabus; Vertical Power
The Advanced Net Player
Session 1 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on the video.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Forehand Smash
1. Tracking backwards
2. The Bounce Smash
3. The Slam Dunk Smash
4. Play part points
5. Play full points
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
49 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 11, Session 2 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Backhand Smash
1. Tracking backwards
2. Play part points
3. Play full points
4. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
50 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 11, Session 3 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Forehand Volley
1. High Volley
2. Mid Volley
3. Low Volley
4. Half Volley
5. Drop Volley
6. Play part points
7. Play full points
8. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
51 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 11, Session 4 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Advanced Backhand Volley
1. High Volley
2. Mid Volley
3. Low Volley
4. Half Volley
5. Drop Volley
6. Play part points
7. Play full points
8. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
52 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Chapter 11, Session 5 – Please complete the following progressions as shown on
the DVD.
*Important! Please spend plenty of time mastering the tracking, timing, feel and
finishing aspects (TTFF)
**Remember to take turns in ‘easy feeding’ to each other before having a 10 shot
rally on every progression.
The Drive Volleys
1. The Forehand Drive Volley
2. The One Handed Backhand Drive Volley
3. The Two Handed Backhand Drive Volley
4. Play part points
5. Play full points – With Serve and Volley
6. Feedback
Date(s) of practice:
Suggested date of next practice for this chapter:
Tennis in Minutes Buddy Session Diary Planner
53 www.tennisinminutes.com © Modern Tennis International Ltd
Step 4
Now that you have tasted the full Modern Tennis syllabi, you are now free to plan
any future training sessions by revisiting any of the sessions that we have shown
you.
You should now have an understanding of how a practice session should be run.
Now you have all the tools that you need to be able to play a great game of
tennis.
Please continue to book your practice time as usual. This time allow more time for
practice matches as well as running shot/tactic specific sessions.
A good ratio to focus on is to have at least two practice sessions for every practice
match.
As you become more technically astute then you will naturally focus on your
tactical and physical side a lot more.
Your practice matches will outweigh your technical training, but now that you
have all the progression tools that you need, feel free to fine tune any shot you
wish. This is a particularly healthy exercise for you to do, but we advise not to
change anything too radically if you are about to play in an important competition
or tournament.
To Your Success
Andy & John
Andrew Magrath and John Littleford
Modern Tennis International Ltd