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Modern Tennis International presents

The Tennis Evolution Programme

MTI Orange Grade 2 lesson Plan Manual©

Lesson Phases 1-3

The Tennis Evolution Programme

MTI Orange Grade 2 Lesson Plan Manual

By Andrew Magrath & John Littleford


Programme Notes – important please read first:

Thank you for opting to use the MTI syllabus and these lesson plan sheets.

We at MTI are committed to keeping tennis simple!

These lesson plans are designed to help you in planning, organizing and

implementing your tennis practice session or lesson whether you are a player

practicing with a partner, parent with your child or a coach with pupil(s)

We would always encourage you to use the buddy coaching system with players

feeding each other with the use of the net extension kit. However, this may prove

difficult with younger children. In such circumstances, the use of helpers or parents

will prove useful.

MTI would advise you to use whichever ball or size court you deem

appropriate. Flexibility is ‘key’ here.

These lesson plans are generically designed for any court dimension and for any

tennis ball compression i.e. red, orange, green or yellow.

We realise that you may be governed by varying court space. For this reason, our

lesson plans are as flexible as you want them to be, but they will provide you with an

efficient guide.

Coaches - you can run different lesson phases running at the same time if you have

more than one coach. So on one court you could have lesson phase 1 being run at

the same time as lesson phase 2. At the same time, lesson phase 3 could be on the

adjacent court for example.

Though we would urge you to follow the MTI lesson format, (as shown below) we are

flexible on the choice of warm ups and fun games (for red 1 grades). We do have

separate product ideas for warm ups and conditioning.

The whole purpose of the MTI syllabus is to ensure that the basics (TTFF – Tracking,

Timing, Feel and Finish) are ‘bolted’ down before players progress to a higher class.

As denoted in the MTI syllabus sheets, players should be able to master the skills on

each lesson phase before they receive their certificate.

Once they complete and master lesson phase 3, they will then be eligible to receive

their MTI badge (for MTI red, orange and green grades) or MTI medal (for MTI

yellow, bronze, silver gold and platinum grades)


Teachers and Coaches - Please include an introduction at the beginning of every

lesson and a summary at the end where students are asked to relay to you what they

actually learned, practiced and gained from the lesson. Also allow the students to

hydrate at any time during the lesson.

All lesson progressions along with any new additions can be found in our

online video library which is part of your membership package.

The lesson plans are based on a 60 minute lesson but feel free to expand to 90

minutes if need be, even for beginners.

The physical conditioning of all players is crucial including young players in

order to strengthen the ‘core’ which improves the balance, flexibility,

coordination and reduces the chances of future injuries.

The 6 MTI Lesson Plan Phases

1. Introduction

2. Warm up/General Conditioning

3. Assessment/Easy Feed/Rally

4. Part Point/Fun Game for Red Grade 1 Students

5. Full Point/Fun Game for Red Grade 1 Students

6. Cool Down/Summary/presentation of Awards

The introduction is when you have outlined the nature of the lesson. Discuss this with

your partner/players.

This should be followed by a plyometric warm up and general conditioning to

enhance performance and prevent injury. The content of which will vary depending

on the age and ability of the player(s).


Teachers and coaches - should the players be unknown to you then a good idea

would be for you to assess the player’s playing standard by getting the player(s) to

rally and even to play points out.

The easy feed and rally phase is when the player(s) are either hand or racket fed,

(depending on ability of both player and feeder) followed by a rally where and

whenever appropriate.

Part points are used to depict the teaching point(s) within a tactical game situation.

You will need to set up a point scenario and start the point mid rally based on the

shot or tactic you have worked on during the session. Targets should be used to aid

placement.

Full points with serve should be played to encourage the use of the player’s overall

game style with the aim of using the learned teaching point(s). Beginners can still be

fed to and should now learn tennis etiquette.

MTI Red 1 grade players and even Orange 1 grade players should play a fun group

game instead of part/full points.

The cool down and summary are designed to cool the muscle groups down and to

ascertain from the players; what they have learned and how they felt about the

teaching points and points of future goals, practice and matchplay.

It is also time to tick off any goals that you or your players have achieved

during that particular session on the syllabus sheets

You should now arrange your next practice session and discuss the content plus any

forthcoming matches.

PLEASE KEEP THESE LESSON PLANS SAFE IN A WATERPROOF SLEEVE AND FEEL

FREE TO TAKE THEM ONTO COURT WITH YOU.


LESSON PHASE1

MTI Orange Grade 2 Phase 1Lesson Plan

Lesson 1 (of 6) – 60 minutes

*Award a player of the week – no certificates as these can be confused with their MTI

awards!

Introduction, Warm up and General Conditioning - 10 minutes

Plyometrics

8 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Topspin Forehand – developing the player’s natural

shape and power - 30 minutes

Hands only

1. Throw and catch with split step being performed as partner releases the ball. The

player’s body should be encouraged to lift off the floor as they throw – 6 ball rally

2. Split, track (with both hands), catch (with non dominant hand across body), drop and

hit – 6 feeds each

3. Repeat but with a push instead of catching – 6 feeds each and 6 ball rally

Each of the following progressions to involve working in pairs unless stated and

tracking with the racquet in dominant hand. Player starts close to the net to aid

initial success before moving in a cross shape (all directions) towards their

particular baseline and back. TTFF to be reinforced as necessary.

4. Start in beginner tracking posture with a choked grip. Player tracks ball with minimal

backswing before pulling up and across the ball discovering the wrap or shoulder

finish. Start slowly and gradually increase the last minute acceleration. Work in 3s

with one hitter, one feeder and one collector. 6 feeds each

TIP: Get players to first shadow the pulling up and across motion by placing racket

face against the back fence and shadow the motion keeping the face on the fence

until the last minute when the racket finishes in either a wrap or shoulder finish.

5. Rally in pairs – 6 ball rally

6. Point the butt’ drill – 6 feeds each

7. Both hands on racket in ready position - Split, track, catch, drop and hit (see Vertical

Power DVD) – 6 feeds each


8. Repeat but with a racket push instead of catching – 6 feeds each and 6 ball rally

Tactical Part Points - involving cross court and down the line forehands and tennis scoring

appropriate to age of group. Team singles with coach feeding the ball to start the rally. The

player receiving the ball has to hit their first shot to a designated target area (cross court or

down the line) players then play out the rally – 15 minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and Award Player of the Week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 1





awards!


Plyometrics

8 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Topspin Forehand - developing the player’s natural

shape and power - 30 minutes

Hands only



2. Split, track (with both hands), catch (with non dominant hand across body), drop and

hit – 6 feeds each

3. Repeat but with a push instead of catching – 6 feeds each and 6 ball rally

Each of the following progressions to involve working in pairs unless stated and

tracking with the racquet in dominant hand. Player starts close to the net to aid

initial success before moving in a cross shape (all directions) towards their

particular baseline and back. TTFF to be reinforced as necessary.

4. Start in beginner tracking posture with a choked grip. Player tracks ball with minimal

backswing before pulling up and across the ball discovering the wrap or shoulder

finish. Start slowly and gradually increase the last minute acceleration. Work in 3s

with one hitter, one feeder and one collector. 6 feeds each

TIP: Get players to first shadow the pulling up and across motion by placing racket

face against the back fence and shadow the motion keeping the face on the fence

until the last minute when the racket finishes in either a wrap or shoulder finish.

5. Rally in pairs – 6 ball rally


7. Both hands on racket in ready position - Split, track, catch, drop and hit (see Vertical

Power DVD) – 6 feeds each


8. Repeat but with a racket push instead of catching – 6 feeds each and 6 ball rally

Tactical Part Points - involving cross court and down the line forehands and tennis scoring




Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and Award Player of the Week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 2





awards!


Plyometrics

6 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – 2 Handed Topspin Backhand - 30 minutes

Hands only

Throw and catch with split step being performed as partner releases the ball. The


Players work in pairs unless stated and use racket first in the non dominant hand.

Player starts close to the net to aid initial success before moving in a cross shape (all

directions) towards the baseline and back. TTFF reinforced as necessary.

1. Start in beginner tracking posture with non dominant hand in a choked forehand grip.

Player tracks ball with minimal backswing before pulling up and across the ball

discovering the wrap or shoulder finish. Start slowly and gradually increase the last

minute acceleration. Work in 3s with one hitter, one feeder and one collector. 6 feeds

each

TIP: Get players to first shadow the pulling up and across motion by placing racket face

against the back fence and shadow the motion keeping the face on the fence until the last

minute when the racket finishes in either a wrap or shoulder finish.

2. Repeat with both hands on the racket. Then 6 ball rally.


4. Repeat from ready position with the racket head above the hands. Then 6 ball rally

5. Shadow track – coach stands in front of player(s) and moves in all directions whilst

holding a ball out to the side. Player follows whilst holding the racket with both hands,

tracking on forehand side. Coach drops ball and player has to hit ball over the net.

6. Players feed one forehand and then one two handed backhand – 6 feeds each then 6

ball rally.


Tactical Part Points - involving cross court and down the line backhands and tennis scoring




Clear Up, Cool Down and Summary and Award Player of the Week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 3





awards!


Plyometrics

7 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – 2 Handed Topspin Backhand - 30 minutes

Hands only



Players work in pairs unless stated and use racket first in the non dominant hand.

Player starts close to the net to aid initial success before moving in a cross shape

(all directions) towards the baseline and back. TTFF reinforced as necessary.

2. Start in beginner tracking posture with non dominant hand in a choked forehand grip.

Player tracks ball with minimal backswing before pulling up and across the ball

discovering the wrap or shoulder finish. Start slowly and gradually increase the last

minute acceleration. Work in 3s with one hitter, one feeder and one collector. 6 feeds

each

TIP: Get players to first shadow the pulling up and across motion by placing racket face

against the back fence and shadow the motion keeping the face on the fence until the last

minute when the racket finishes in either a wrap or shoulder finish.

3. Repeat with both hands on the racket. Then 6 ball rally.


5. Repeat from ready position with the racket head above the hands. Then 6 ball rally

6. Shadow track – coach stands in front of player(s) and moves in all directions whilst

holding a ball out to the side. Player follows whilst holding the racket with both hands,

tracking on forehand side. Coach drops ball and player has to hit ball over the net.

7. Players feed one forehand and then one two handed backhand – 6 feeds each then 6

ball rally.







End of lesson 4





awards!


Plyometrics

6 Easy feed progressions - Over arm ‘flat’ and ‘slice’ serve and return of serve – 40

minutes

Each of the following progressions to involve the players working in pairs. One server

and one returner. Serving players start close to the net to aid initial success before

moving one step after a successful serve towards the baseline. The returner works on

their cross court return to their partner.

1. Holding racket in a pinched continental grip. Players line racket up with the ball in

front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a flat serve to cross court service

target areas. Coach to outline the most efficient placement for this type of serve. The

returner attempts to return the serve. Players take turns to serve 6 serves from each

side of court.

2. Repeat from an address position


front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a slice serve to cross court

service target areas. Coach to outline the most efficient placement for this type of

serve. The returner attempts to return the serve. Players take turns to serve 6 serves

from each side of court.


5. Throw the edge drill (see Vertical Power DVD) – Players start the serve by dropping

the racket behind their back and pointing the butt. They can hit either serve contact.

Partners return serve once again. Take turns to serve 6 serves from each side.

6. Repeat from an address position. At this stage they should be encouraged to lift their

hands together to aid coordination.


Tactical singles part points against each other starting with either a flat or slice serve

– 5 minutes


End of lesson 5





awards!


Plyometrics

6 Easy feed progressions - Over arm ‘flat’ and ‘slice’ serve and return of serve – 40

minutes






front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a flat serve to cross court service

target areas. Coach to outline the most efficient placement for this type of serve. The

returner attempts to return the serve. Players take turns to serve 6 serves from each

side of court.



front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a slice serve to cross court











Tactical singles part points against each other starting with either a flat or slice serve

– 5 minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down and Summary - 5 minutes

No player of the week on lesson 6 if you have MTI Orange Grade 2 phase 1 certificates

to give out to successful players

End of lesson 6


LESSON PHASE 2

MTI Orange Grade 2 Phase 2 Lesson Plan



awards!


Plyometrics

6 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Forehand and backhand slice with dropshots - 35

minutes

Each of the following progressions to involve the players working in pairs unless

stated. Players start close to the net to aid initial success before moving towards the

baseline and back

1. Forehand slice and dropshots - Players feed 6 medium height forehand volleys to

partner who starts in a tracking pose with a continental grip.

2. Player then takes a couple of steps back and use a medium height volley action but

after the bounce. Player moves back after every successful shot. 6 feeds. Then

player moves closer to net and hits 6 forehand dropshots.

3. Players then feed to their partners

4. Backhand slice and dropshots - Players feed 6 medium height backhand volleys to




player moves closer to net and hits 6 backhand dropshots.


Tactical Singles Part points with players starting from ready position using only slice,

dropshots and volleys. Coach feeds the first ball – Coaches to talk about the

importance of ‘touch’ and when to use slice – 10 minutes


Clear Up, Cool Down and Summary and award player of the week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 1





awards!


Plyometrics

6 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Forehand and backhand slice with dropshots - 35

minutes



baseline and back

1. Forehand slice and dropshots - Players feed 6 medium height forehand volleys to




player moves closer to net and hits 6 forehand dropshots.


4. Backhand slice and dropshots - Players feed 6 medium height backhand volleys to




player moves closer to net and hits 6 backhand dropshots.


Tactical Singles Part points with players starting from ready position using only slice,

dropshots and volleys. Coach feeds the first ball – Coaches to talk about the

importance of ‘touch’ and when to use slice – 10 minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down and Summary and award player of the week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 2





awards!


Plyometrics

5 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The one handed topspin backhand - 30 minutes



baseline and back

1. Players using hands only, push and pose with the back of their hand in a ‘Statue of

Liberty’ pose – 6 feeds each

2. Starting in a tracking posture with racquet head held below the hand, repeat using the

racket in a choked bicycle grip. Finish in a ‘thumbs up’ finish. Slide the grip down as

player feels confident – 6 feeds each.

3. Track by first pointing the butt at the incoming ball with a choked bicycle grip – 6

feeds each then 6 ball rally

4. Players now work on grip change from forehand to bicycle grip. Coach starts in ready

position and demonstrates ‘twist and track’. Players copy 10 times.

5. Players feed to partner who starts in ‘naval’ ready position one forehand and one

backhand alternately – 6 feeds each then 6 ball rally





Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and award player of the week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 3





awards!


Plyometrics

5 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The one handed topspin backhand - 30 minutes



baseline and back

1. Players using hands only, push and pose with the back of their hand in a ‘Statue of

Liberty’ pose – 6 feeds each

2. Starting in a tracking posture with racquet head held below the hand, repeat using the

racket in a choked bicycle grip. Finish in a ‘thumbs up’ finish. Slide the grip down as

player feels confident – 6 feeds each.

3. Track by first pointing the butt at the incoming ball with a choked bicycle grip – 6

feeds each then 6 ball rally

4. Players now work on grip change from forehand to bicycle grip. Coach starts in ready

position and demonstrates ‘twist and track’. Players copy 10 times.

5. Players feed to partner who starts in ‘naval’ ready position one forehand and one

backhand alternately – 6 feeds each then 6 ball rally





Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and award player of the week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 4





awards!


Plyometrics

3 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The backhand smash - 20 minutes



baseline and back

1. Coach to feed lobs to players

2. Players to start with a choked continental grip and racquet butt pointing up at the ball.

Players to hit down by pulling the butt downwards. 6 feeds and 6 feeds in a full grip.

3. Repeat from ready position – 6 feeds each

Tactical Part Points - involving backhand smashes and tennis scoring appropriate to age of

group. Team singles with coach feeding the ball to start the rally. The player receiving the ball

has to hit their first shot as a smash to a designated target area (cross court or down the line)

players then play out the rally – 15 minutes

Full points starting with overarm serves – 10 minutes


End of lesson 5





awards!


Plyometrics

3 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The backhand smash - 20 minutes



baseline and back

1. Coach to feed lobs to players

2. Players to start with a choked continental grip and racquet butt pointing up at the ball.

Players to hit down by pulling the butt downwards. 6 feeds and 6 feeds in a full grip.

3. Repeat from ready position – 6 feeds each

Tactical Part Points - involving backhand smashes and tennis scoring appropriate to age of

group. Team singles with coach feeding the ball to start the rally. The player receiving the ball

has to hit their first shot as a backhand smash to a designated target area (cross court or


Full points starting with overarm serves – 10 minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down and Summary- 5 minutes

Player of the week awards to make way for certificates to those who successfully

mastered MTI Orange grade 2 lesson phase 2

End of lesson 6


LESSON PHASE 3




awards!


Plyometrics

4 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The topspin forehand ‘windshield wiper’ and ‘lasso’

finishes - 25 minutes



baseline and back

1. Windshield wiper finish – players move to the back court and practice the

windshield wiper finish against the fence or backing.

2. Players feed forehands to their partners. Hitting player hits windshield wiper finish

forehands. 6 feeds each

3. Lasso finish - players move to the back court and practice the lasso finish against

the fence or backing.

4. Players feed forehands to their partners. Hitting player hits lasso finish forehands. 6

feeds each

Tactical part points for windshield wiper forehand – Team singles - coach feeds a short

ball to each member of one team who have to move in and hit a topspin forehand and

demonstrate a windshield wiper finish. Players then play rally out – 10 minutes

Tactical part points for lasso forehand – Team singles - coach feeds a wide ball to

forehand side of each member of one team who have to move and hit a topspin

forehand and demonstrate a lasso finish. Players then play rally out – 10 minutes


Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and player of the week awards- 5 minutes

End of lesson 1





awards!


Plyometrics

4 Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – The topspin forehand ‘windshield wiper’ and ‘lasso’

finishes - 25 minutes



baseline and back

1. Windshield wiper finish – players move to the back court and practice the

windshield wiper finish against the fence or backing.

2. Players feed forehands to their partners. Hitting player hits windshield wiper finish

forehands. 6 feeds each

3. Lasso finish - players move to the back court and practice the lasso finish against

the fence or backing.

4. Players feed forehands to their partners. Hitting player hits lasso finish forehands. 6

feeds each

Tactical part points for windshield wiper forehand – Team singles - coach feeds a short

ball to each member of one team who have to move in and hit a topspin forehand and

demonstrate a windshield wiper finish. Players then play rally out – 10 minutes

Tactical part points for lasso forehand – Team singles - coach feeds a wide ball to

forehand side of each member of one team who have to move and hit a topspin

forehand and demonstrate a lasso finish. Players then play rally out – 10 minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and player of the week awards- 5 minutes

End of lesson 2





awards!


Plyometrics

6 Easy feed progressions - Over arm ‘heavy’ and ‘topslice’ serve and return of serve –

40 minutes






front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a heavy serve to cross court






front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a topslice serve to cross court











Tactical singles part points against each other starting with either a heavy or topslice

serve – 5 minutes


End of lesson 3





awards!


Plyometrics

6 Easy feed progressions - Over arm ‘heavy’ and ‘topslice’ serve and return of serve –

40 minutes






front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a heavy serve to cross court






front (see confidence and control) then lift and push a topslice serve to cross court











Tactical singles part points against each other starting with either a heavy or topslice

serve – 5 minutes


End of lesson 4





awards!


Plyometrics

Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Serve, return and rally - 25 minutes


stated.

1. Players practice their rallying from baseline, starting rally with an under arm feed – 6

ball rally

2. Players rally cross court – 6 ball rally

3. Players rally down the line – 6 ball rally

4. Coach feeds a short ball for one player to hit an approach shot, move to net and

volley against partner

Tactical part points – team singles – coach feeds either forehand or backhand and depicts

where players have to hit their first shot and what type of spin. Players then play rally out – 10

minutes

Full points – teams then start rally with a serve and can hit any shot they choose – 10

minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down, Summary and award of the player of the week - 5 minutes

End of lesson 5





awards!


Plyometrics

Easy Feed/Rally Progressions – Serve, return and rally - 25 minutes


stated.

1. Players practice their rallying from baseline, starting rally with an under arm feed – 6

ball rally

2. Players rally cross court – 6 ball rally

3. Players rally down the line – 6 ball rally

4. Coach feeds a short ball for one player to hit an approach shot, move to net and

volley against partner

Tactical part points – team singles – coach feeds either forehand or backhand and depicts

where players have to hit their first shot and what type of spin. Players then play rally out – 10

minutes

Full points – teams then start rally with a serve and can hit any shot they choose – 10

minutes

Clear Up, Cool Down and Summary- 5 minutes

Players who have passed ALL 3 lesson phases will have passed MTI Orange Grade 2

and are now ready to embark onto MTI Orange Grade 3. They must receive their MTI

Orange Grade 2 badges as well as their MTI Orange Grade 2 phase 3 certificates either

at a grading day or at the end of this lesson.

End of lesson 6

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