The Drill Wasn’t the Problem

I Used to Blame the Drill

Years ago, I ran a session with a strong group of 12U players.

I set up a drill I’d used countless times before.
Cross-court. Targets. Clear instructions.

It should have worked.

But something felt off.

The ball moved, but the energy didn’t.
The decisions were safe.
And when we moved into match play later, none of it showed up.

So I did what most coaches do.

I blamed the drill.

I told myself:

• “They’re not focused today.”
• “This drill usually works.”
• “Let’s switch it next time.”

But the problem wasn’t the drill.

It was what the drill was asking the players to do.

That realisation quietly changed how I coach.

3 Problems with Traditional Drills

1. They separate action from intention​
   Players repeat movements without understanding why they’re using them.
2. They remove information​
   There’s nothing to read. No opponent pressure. No meaningful space or time.
3. They reward predictability​
   Same feed. Same response. No need to adapt.

Clean reps don’t equal learning.
Information does.

2 Small Shifts That Change Everything

1. Add a decision​
   Before execution comes choice. Let players select, not just strike.
2. Change the information​
   Adjust space, scoring, or rules so perception guides action.

You don’t need more drills.
You need better design.

1 New Weekly Resource

Practice Design of the Week

Each week, I’ll share a simple, match-relevant practice you can run immediately — designed around intention, information, and adaptability.

👉 Download this week’s Practice Design (PDF)

Tramline Unlock: This task trains the ability to earn spatial advantage, then use it intelligently. Players must recognise moments to stretch, jam, or draw in based on their opponent’s actions, creating layered tactical battles from live point play.

I stopped asking, “Is this drill working?”​
And started asking, “What is the environment teaching the player?”

That question changed everything.

In 2026, my focus isn’t on more content or clever drills.
It’s on designing better environments, building clearer learning pathways, and helping coaches create practices that actually transfer.

If you want support with that shift:

• Reply to this email for a 1-to-1 or a staff session
• Or keep an eye on the Modern Tennis Coach Conference 2026, where practice design and real transfer take centre stage

Less copying.
More clarity.
Better coaching decisions.

Steve

My Tennis Coach Academy​
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