Do you like the power and simplicity of keywords in your coaching? So do we! Repeating a keyword can be a very effective way to force yourself to focus on a change that you want to make. It’s therefore a great tool to use as a part of your coaching when you need to remember a new technique.
Top 5 Keywords

Keyword #1; ACCELERATE
Game situation: Baseline game
Keeps your player focussed on: Accelerating through the ball quickly at contact and keeping the body drawing speed and power from the body’s rotation and anchor to the ground.
Use it: As the ball comes towards the player, have them say “ACCELERATE!” as they go through the stroke and hit the ball. Other words like “RIP” could also work

Keyword #2; BREATHE
Game situation: Baseline game
Keeps your player focussed on: continuing to breathe!
Use it: Say a nice, long, “BREATHE…” as the player makes contact and swings through the ball.

Keyword #3; STRINGS TO TARGET
Game situation: Baseline game; approaching the net
Keeps your player focussed on: a straight swing path through the contact point
Use it: Say “STRINGS TO TARGET” as the player makes contact and swings through the ball.

Keyword #4; DRIVE
Game situation: Serve
Keeps your player focussed on: activating their legs during the serve
Use it: As the player tosses the ball, use the word DRIVE to push up, off the ground, and power through the ball.

Keyword #5; EXTEND
Game situation: Serve
Keeps your player focused on: maintaining the shoulder tilt through the tick position on the serve
Use it: Say “EXTEND” so the player keeps the tossing arm high during the tick position.
Other articles and clips with quick fixes
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Updated from our article originally published on: Dec 17, 2016