Train Like A Pro With These Tennis Training Aids

If you're serious about taking your tennis game to the next level, then you need to start training like a pro. And that means using professional-grade training aids to help you improve your skills.

Training aids can help you improve your stroke technique, footwork, and even your mental game.

Edwards Sports stocks a wide range of gear, whether that's for practice hitting tennis balls, improving muscle memory, or perhaps you're a club or association looking to offer training aids for tennis lessons?

But what are tennis training aids used for?

A training aid can be used for three key learning styles; visual, kinesthetic, and auditory.

These all help tennis players learn faster and more efficiently, on top of assistance from a tennis coach.

Both junior players and intermediate players could benefit from the use of tennis training aids to improve their all-around game, which is not all about picking up a tennis racquet and tennis ball and rallying away on a tennis court!

Image by ©Skitterphoto (pixabay) via Canva.com

Here are 7 popular tennis training aids used by all the top tennis coaches:

1. Target Nets

We start our list with target nets. Trust us when we say no pro can live without this training aid. Target nets are ideal for testing your shot accuracy.

You place your targets behind the net. Typically, they will attach to the net using velcro straps. Then you will practice hitting the ball through the target from the baseline. You will find that your accuracy dramatically improves as you continue to practice. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits below:

Target nets are incredibly lightweight and durable. Therefore, they can be easily transported, so you can take them with you no matter where you are playing.
They have proven highly effective at improving the technique of many tennis players as well as hand-eye coordination.
Target nets are highly versatile. You can adjust the height and location of the target to suit specific players’ training abilities.

2. Tennis Radar Speed Guns

A radar speed gun is a device used to measure the speed of moving objects. In tennis, it measures the speed of a service, but how does it work?

The speed gun sends out radar pulses toward the tennis ball. Some of these radar pulses bounce off the ball, which is picked up by the gun and gives a reading of the speed of the serve.

It is a clever piece of tech that offers players valuable information to help them improve.

Provides speed results in real-time. So, players and anyone watching the game can gain this valuable information.
It has been proven to significantly improve tennis serving speeds and hitting speeds.
As technology evolves, the accuracy of speed radar guns keeps getting better and better. The device itself is also praised for its ease of use.

3. Tennis Marker Cones

Tennis marker cones are an essential tennis training aid that you should have in your kit.

You may be wondering why. After all, they are just cones, right? However, they have a multitude of uses when it comes to training.

Not only do they mark out training grounds, but they also help players improve their agility, speed, and stamina when out on the court.

Tennis marker cones are highly versatile and can be used for various training purposes such as drills and games.
Marker cones allow you to improve your footwork, which is something that all tennis players should be looking to improve. It's not just about being able to hit the ball accurately; you also need to move quickly on your feet too.
They are often made from a soft, flexible material, so they are easy to transport and won’t become an obstruction.

4. Rebounder Nets

There comes a time when all players must train on their own as their coaches are not always going to be there.

However, one thing that will always be there is a rebounder net. This is the perfect training aid for those days when you are practising your skills alone.

They are available in a range of different sizes so you can find one that suits your current abilities. Let’s explore some of the benefits below:

A rebounder net mimics the movements of the ball to allow you to play a game of tennis at your own pace.
It allows you to develop a range of different shot types. This is because you can make the decision to only practice forehands, backhands, or volleys.
Significantly improves hand-eye coordination.

Image by Canva.com

5. Tennis Balls

No training kit is complete without tennis balls. Ideally, you will have many of these in your kit as you don't want to spend your time chasing the same ball down the court throughout your training.

There are a few qualities that you should look for in a tennis ball. Firstly, you want them to be durable and easy to play with. You want them to bounce in line with your playing ability. Below – are three benefits associated with choosing the right tennis balls.

The thickness of the ball will offer you different advantages to your play depending on the type of court that you play on.
Regular duty tennis balls give you the best advantage on softer, slower courts. Extra duty balls work better on harder surfaces.
Choosing the right tennis ball will give you more control.

6. Training Walls

If you don't have time to practice with a partner, a training wall is the next best thing.

There are different types of training walls. Stationary ones can be any outside walls, while mobile training walls are ideal if you are constantly training on the go.

They offer a multitude of benefits that we shall explore below, and there are also various drills that players can practice to help them improve their skills on the court.

Practising with a training wall helps players improve their control as they are given constant stroke repetitions.
Time control is crucial for any tennis player. The training wall allows players to significantly improve the time it takes them to hit the ball.
A training wall encourages players to use all of their muscles and forces them to watch the ball simultaneously.

7. Tennis Ball Machines

Tennis ball machines are another essential training aid that allows you to practice without a partner at a pace that suits you.

The machine channels tennis balls into the landing area and consistently launches them towards the player, who repeatedly hits them out onto the court.

They encourage players to improve their focus as well as their strokes.

It helps players develop a consistent stroke by constantly delivering balls onto the court.
The speed and height of the machine can be altered so players can challenge themselves out on the court and improve their body and foot positioning.
When training with a coach or friend, they can position the machine in various spots, so you are surprised with multiple shots. It encourages players to push themselves to their limits.

Conclusion

So, there we have it. Seven training aids that can help you become a tennis pro in no time.

Training is crucial for any tennis player, regardless of your playing ability. The more work you can put in and the more training aids you can use, the better player you will become. Consistency is key.

At Edwards Sports, we offer a range of tennis court supplies to help you elevate your gameplay. We have it all, from tennis nets to court accessories, so don't hesitate to check out our website to view our extensive product catalogue at www.edwardssports.co.uk.

FAQs

Why do tennis players need agility?

Tennis players need agility to be able to move and change direction quickly. This is important because it allows them to reach the ball more easily and gives them a competitive advantage on the court. Some other benefits of agility training for tennis players include improved coordination, balance, and strength.

Why do tennis players need speed?

Tennis players need speed to be able to hit the ball harder and more accurately. This allows players to win more points and, ultimately, matches. Speed training can also help improve a player's stamina, which is important in long matches.

Why do tennis players need strength?

Tennis players need strength to generate more power in their shots. This can help players hit the ball harder and win more points. Strength training can also help improve coordination, balance, and reaction time, which are all important aspects of a tennis player's game.

Why do tennis players need coordination?

Coordination is essential for tennis players, as it allows them to react quickly and make fast, accurate movements on the court. This helps players hit the ball more accurately and with more power. Coordination training can also help improve a player's balance, strength, and stamina.