Simone Jardim and top singles player, Federico Staksrud, discuss a couple of their favorite partner drills for improving their singles game. 

Drill #1: Third and Come In

How to play: This drill requires two players -- One player feeds (Player 1) and one player receives (Player 2). Player 1 will stand a couple steps off the kitchen line while Player 2 will stand on their baseline. Player 1 will feed a ball mimicing an aggressive return of serve and then move in to the kitchen line. Player 2 will try to hit their best third shot drop and then will immediately run to the kitchen line. After the third shot drop, any shot goes and the two players will play out the point from there. 

• NOTE: The feed MUST be a more aggressive feed otherwise the receiver will be able to be too offensive with their third shot. 

Drill #2: Cat and Mouse

How to play: Both players will start standing across from each other on their respective kitchen lines, with both players starting in the middle. One player will feed a neutral ball to start the point and play it out. During the point, both players must ONLY hit dinks to try and move their opponent out of position to win the point. Neither player may hit a speed-up, swing volley, or any other shot that may be considered overly offensive. 

Why these drills are helpful:  As you continue to play singles against players that are better and better, it will become harder to hit successful passing shots. These drills help players to find a way to work themselves into the point before they find another opportunity to be offensive. 

Bonus Note:

Make sure that before either of these drills that you are warmed up before jumping into the drill. Complete an active warmup to get your body moving rather than going in cold to prevent injury.