June 9-13, 2025

Week 2: Chaining Shots to Advance Levels

Building on the individual stroke mastery from Week 1, this week focuses on linking shots together to move from one court level to the next. Master the art of offensive progression through strategic court positioning.

Court Levels Diagram
Level-Based Point Construction

Junior Excellence Program Navigation

Week 2 Overview

Building on the individual stroke mastery from Week 1, Week 2 focuses on linking two or more shots together to move from one court level to the next. Players practice hitting a shot from one position (e.g., behind the baseline) and immediately transitioning to hit the subsequent shot from a more advantageous position (e.g., inside the baseline or at the net). This introduces the basic concept of offensive progression through the court.

Week 2 Learning Objectives

  • Understand the interconnection between court positions and shot selection
  • Execute smooth transitions between adjacent court levels
  • Develop the tactical awareness to recognize opportunities to advance court position
  • Connect shots in logical sequences to build offensive momentum
  • Practice intentional footwork patterns that facilitate level transitions

This Week's Focus

Our Level-Based Point Construction Curriculum takes players on a 5-day journey to court dominance. Each day focuses on mastering the transition between two adjacent court levels:

  • Monday: Level 1 to Level 2 (Behind Baseline to On Baseline)
  • Tuesday: Level 2 to Level 3 (On Baseline to Inside Baseline)
  • Wednesday: Level 3 to Level 4 (Inside Baseline to Mid-Court)
  • Thursday: Level 4 to Level 5 (Mid-Court to Net)
  • Friday: Mental Focus & Tournament Practice

Teaching Philosophy

"Tennis is a Game of Position. Where you are on the court determines the shots you should play. Our Level-Based Point Construction Curriculum teaches you to dominate every position by advancing one court-level per stroke with high consistency shot selection."

— Eagle Tennis Academy Coaching Staff

Daily Training Schedule

Each day follows a structured format with a focused progression on specific court level transitions. Select a day to view the detailed training agenda.

Monday, June 9, 2025

Eagle Tennis Center

Level 1 to Level 2

From Defense to Assertiveness

We begin deep behind the baseline (Level 1) with control and consistency. The critical transition happens when a shorter ball appears – your signal to step up on the baseline (Level 2) and shift from control to asserting pressure.

Level 1 Focus

Topspin + Depth

Level 2 Focus

Topspin + Power

Transition Key

Recognize the short ball opportunity

Daily Agenda

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Strength & Conditioning with Christine May

Tennis-specific fitness focusing on the movement patterns needed for transitioning from defensive to offensive positions.

  • Lower body strength with focus on rapid direction changes
  • Quick-step ladder drills simulating recovery to baseline
  • Medicine ball throws to build rotational power for baseline shots
  • Split-step reaction drills for rapid weight transfer
  • Deceleration/acceleration training for court positioning
2:00 - 2:15 PM

On-Court Warm-up & Serve/Return Prep

Dynamic court movement preparation with serves focused on setting up baseline consistency and returns focused on neutralizing.

2:15 - 2:45 PM

Technical Focus: Level 1 Deep Baseline Consistency

Drills focusing on defensive positioning and consistency from behind the baseline.

  • High net clearance cross-court drills with depth targets
  • Recovery positioning after being pulled wide
  • Topspin mechanics for defensive safety
  • Defensive slice technique when stretched
2:45 - 3:15 PM

Transition Focus: Recognizing & Attacking Short Balls

Drills focused on identifying opportunities to move from Level 1 to Level 2.

  • Short ball recognition and movement patterns
  • Footwork for transitioning from behind baseline to on baseline
  • Weight transfer mechanics when moving forward
  • Decision-making drills: when to stay defensive vs. when to attack
3:15 - 3:45 PM

Competitive Drills: Level 1 to Level 2 Chains

Competitive point-building exercises starting from defensive positions.

  • "Draw & Attack" - Players must hit three defensive shots before attacking
  • "Position Progressive" - Points start with both players deep, points awarded for successful level transitions
  • "Short Ball Challenge" - Coach feeds defensive shot then short ball, players execute transition
  • Cross-court consistency challenge with transition triggers
3:45 - 4:00 PM

Cool Down & Match Prep

Recovery stretching, hydration, and tactical discussion of applying Level 1 to Level 2 transitions in match play.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Live Play Singles Tournament Practice

Coached match play with emphasis on transitioning from defensive to offensive baseline positions.

  • Filmed for video analysis and player feedback
  • Match constraints: Players start points from defensive positions
  • Coaching focus on recognizing and executing Level 1 to 2 transitions
  • Post-match analysis of successful transition patterns

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Eagle Tennis Center

Level 2 to Level 3

From Pressure to Attack

Building on our baseline assertiveness (Level 2), we prepare to take control inside the baseline (Level 3). The critical transition occurs when you receive a weaker ball that allows you to step well inside the baseline to attack and punish.

Level 2 Focus

Topspin + Power

Level 3 Focus

Control + Angle

Transition Key

Step inside to attack weaker replies

Daily Agenda

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Strength & Conditioning with Christine May

Tennis-specific fitness focusing on explosive power and agility for attacking from inside the baseline.

  • Plyometric exercises for explosive first-step movement
  • Lateral agility drills for court coverage when attacking
  • Medicine ball rotational throws for power development
  • Linear speed work for quick transitions forward
  • Core stability work for balance when hitting on the rise
2:00 - 2:15 PM

On-Court Warm-up & Serve/Return Prep

Dynamic warm-up focusing on serves that set up aggressive baseline play and returns that allow immediate offensive positioning.

2:15 - 2:45 PM

Technical Focus: Level 2 Baseline Offense

Drills focusing on assertive baseline positioning and setting up offensive opportunities.

  • "Power lines" drill - hitting with directional control from the baseline
  • Taking the ball on the rise technique
  • Arm extension and weight transfer mechanics
  • Serve +1 patterns to establish baseline control
2:45 - 3:15 PM

Transition Focus: Stepping In to Attack

Drills focused on moving from baseline to inside position for attacking shots.

  • Recognition drills for identifying attackable balls
  • Footwork patterns for moving from baseline to inside position
  • Taking the ball early with both feet inside the baseline
  • Angle creation from inside position
3:15 - 3:45 PM

Competitive Drills: Level 2 to Level 3 Chains

Competitive point-building exercises progressing from baseline to attacking position.

  • "Baseline Commander" - Players start at baseline, earn points by successful attacks
  • "Force the Error" - Progression drill focusing on creating weak replies
  • "Inside-Out Challenge" - Focus on changing direction from inside position
  • "Attack the Middle" - Drill focusing on taking time away by attacking central court position
3:45 - 4:00 PM

Cool Down & Match Prep

Recovery stretching, hydration, and tactical discussion of applying Level 2 to Level 3 transitions in match play.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Live Play Singles Tournament Practice

Coached match play with emphasis on transitioning from baseline control to inside attack positions.

  • Filmed for video analysis and player feedback
  • Match constraints: Bonus point for winners hit from inside the baseline
  • Coaching focus on creating and recognizing attack opportunities
  • Post-match analysis of successful attack patterns

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Eagle Tennis Center

Level 3 to Level 4

From Attacking to Transition Volley

Having attacked from inside the baseline (Level 3), you've forced a weak reply. The critical transition is now moving forward to the net (Level 4) with a split-step around the service line to prepare for your first transition volley.

Level 3 Focus

Control + Angle

Level 4 Focus

Backspin + Arm Extension

Transition Key

Split-step timing & approach path

Daily Agenda

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Strength & Conditioning with Christine May

Tennis-specific fitness focusing on approach speed, deceleration control, and transition movements.

  • Sprint-and-stop deceleration drills for approach control
  • Split-step timing and coordination exercises
  • Lateral agility drills with direction changes
  • Upper body strengthening for volley stability
  • Reactive agility drills simulating transition movements
2:00 - 2:15 PM

On-Court Warm-up & Serve/Return Prep

Dynamic warm-up focusing on serves and returns that set up approach opportunities and transition to net.

2:15 - 2:45 PM

Technical Focus: Level 3 Attacking Shots

Drills focusing on attacking from inside the baseline to set up approaches to the net.

  • Inside-out forehand technique from inside position
  • Down-the-line backhand mechanics for creating angles
  • Shot selection based on court position
  • Maintaining control with increased aggression
2:45 - 3:15 PM

Transition Focus: Approach Path & First Volley

Drills focused on approaching the net and executing effective transition volleys.

  • Split-step timing around the service line
  • Approach path angles based on previous shot
  • "Shield-bash" transition volley technique
  • Cross-over footwork for controlled momentum
3:15 - 3:45 PM

Competitive Drills: Level 3 to Level 4 Chains

Competitive point-building exercises progressing from attack to net position.

  • "Inside-Approach-Volley" sequence drills
  • "Approach Challenge" - Points scored for successful approach and volley combinations
  • "First Volley Focus" - Drill emphasizing quality of transition volley
  • "Diagonal Approach" - Practicing angled approach paths based on previous shot direction
3:45 - 4:00 PM

Cool Down & Match Prep

Recovery stretching, hydration, and tactical discussion of applying Level 3 to Level 4 transitions in match play.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Live Play Singles Tournament Practice

Coached match play with emphasis on transitioning from attacking position to effective net play.

  • Filmed for video analysis and player feedback
  • Match constraints: Players must approach net after hitting from inside position
  • Coaching focus on approach timing and first volley effectiveness
  • Post-match analysis of approach and volley patterns

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Eagle Tennis Center

Level 4 to Level 5

From Transition to Close-out Volley

Your effective transition volley (Level 4) has earned you prime real estate at the net. The critical transition is moving from transition position to the net (Level 5), ready to finish the point decisively with high volleys and overhead smashes.

Level 4 Focus

Backspin + Arm Extension

Level 5 Focus

Extension + Pronation

Transition Key

Positioning & finish mechanics

Daily Agenda

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Strength & Conditioning with Christine May

Tennis-specific fitness focusing on explosive vertical power, overhead reach, and quick reactions for net play.

  • Vertical jump training for overhead reach
  • Reaction drills for high-speed volleys
  • Shoulder and arm strengthening for volley stability
  • Lateral movement drills for net coverage
  • Core strength for rotational power on overheads
2:00 - 2:15 PM

On-Court Warm-up & Serve/Return Prep

Dynamic warm-up with serve and volley practice, and returns focused on setting up approach and net opportunities.

2:15 - 2:45 PM

Technical Focus: Level 4 Transition Volleys

Drills focusing on effective transition volleys from mid-court to set up the finish.

  • Drive volley technique with arm extension
  • Directional control on transition volleys
  • Managing opponent passing shot attempts
  • Split-step timing and ready position
2:45 - 3:15 PM

Transition Focus: Close-out Volley & Overhead Mechanics

Drills focused on finishing points decisively at the net.

  • "Chin-up, aim-down" mental approach for high volleys
  • Overhead smash technique with full pronation
  • High forehand volley with wrist stability
  • Footwork for positioning on final volley
3:15 - 3:45 PM

Competitive Drills: Level 4 to Level 5 Chains

Competitive point-building exercises progressing from mid-court to net position.

  • "Chokie-Ball" pressure volley game
  • "Two-Volley Finish" - Focusing on transition to high volley sequence
  • "Lob & Smash" - Overhead practice in game scenarios
  • "Volley Angles" - Creating sharp angles from close net position
3:45 - 4:00 PM

Cool Down & Match Prep

Recovery stretching, hydration, and tactical discussion of applying Level 4 to Level 5 transitions in match play.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Live Play Singles Tournament Practice

Coached match play with emphasis on finishing points effectively at the net.

  • Filmed for video analysis and player feedback
  • Match constraints: Players must finish points with a volley or overhead
  • Coaching focus on transitioning from first volley to finish
  • Post-match analysis of net play effectiveness

Friday, June 13, 2025

Eagle Tennis Center

Mental Focus Friday

Integrating All Levels Under Pressure

Friday is where we put it all together in intense match simulations and live play. Building points level-by-level under match conditions is critical, supported by dedicated mental performance training.

Mental Focus

Mindfulness tools for pressure

Tournament Practice

High-pressure match scenarios

Weekly Integration

Connecting all court level transitions

Daily Agenda

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Mental Performance Session with Marianne Paventy

Group session focused on mental tools to thrive under pressure.

  • Mindfulness training for focus and presence on court
  • Breathing techniques for managing match pressure
  • Building effective pre-point routines
  • Visualization exercises for level-based point construction
  • Emotional management strategies for competitive resilience
2:00 - 2:15 PM

On-Court Warm-up

Dynamic warm-up focused on preparing physically and mentally for intense match play.

2:15 - 2:45 PM

Technical Integration: Multi-Level Sequences

Quick review and practice of key transitions between all court levels.

  • Full-court progression sequences (Level 1 → 5)
  • Tactical decision-making at key transition moments
  • Integration of week's technical focus points
  • Coach-fed pattern development drills
2:45 - 4:45 PM

High-Intensity Tournament Practice

Structured competitive play focused on applying all level-based transitions under pressure.

  • Singles tournament format with coaching during changeovers
  • Match scenarios with specific scoring formats (e.g., no-ad, sudden death)
  • Modified constraints requiring specific level transitions
  • Application of mental skills from earlier session
  • Video recording for detailed analysis
4:45 - 5:00 PM

Cool Down & Weekly Debrief

Recovery stretching, hydration, and group discussion of the week's progress.

  • Review of key learning points from each day
  • Group feedback on level transition execution
  • Individual goal-setting for continued improvement
  • Preview of Week 3 focus areas

Weekly Integration & Progress

Week 2 builds essential skills in transitioning between court levels, preparing players for the more advanced tactical applications in Week 3.

Video Analysis

Match play sessions are recorded for technical review. Players receive personalized feedback on their level transitions and point construction patterns.

Progress Tracking

Coaches track player progress in executing level transitions. Weekly performance metrics help identify strengths and areas for continued development.

Skills Integration

Friday sessions allow players to integrate all level transitions into continuous point sequences, building the foundation for complete point construction.

What's Coming in Week 3?

Mastering the Baseline: Defense and Depth

Week 3 will delve deeper into controlling the point from behind the baseline, focusing on developing high consistency with deep, spin-heavy groundstrokes and defensive positioning.