Why Feeding Drills Don’t Work – And Why Match Simulation is Key
As a tennis coach, my philosophy revolves around developing players who can thrive in real match situations. One of the biggest mistakes I see in coaching is the overuse of feeding drills – where coaches or assistants stand in a fixed position and feed perfect balls for players to hit. While this might seem like a controlled way to practice technique, it falls short in preparing players for the realities of competition.
The Problem with Feeding Drills
Feeding drills create a false sense of confidence. In a match, players don’t receive perfectly fed balls at consistent speeds and heights. Instead, they face opponents who hit with varying spin, pace, depth, and angles. If players are trained primarily with fed drills, they struggle when forced to adjust to unpredictable ball trajectories in a real match.
Another major issue is movement. Feeding drills often limit a player’s need to react, recover, and reposition themselves as they would in a match. Tennis is a dynamic sport that demands adaptability. Players must learn how to read an opponent’s shot, move efficiently, and make decisions on the fly – skills that feeding drills simply don’t develop effectively.
The Power of Match Simulation
Instead of relying on feeding, I focus on match-simulated training, where drills are designed to replicate real game scenarios. This method helps players:
Develop Decision-Making Skills – Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical. Players need to make split-second decisions on where to position themselves, when to attack, and how to adjust their shot selection. By practicing in match-like conditions, they build the ability to think and react under pressure.
Improve Footwork and Movement – In a real match, players must recover after each shot, anticipate the next ball, and move efficiently. Match-simulation drills force players to track down shots, adjust their balance, and develop proper footwork patterns that they will actually use in competition.
Enhance Tactical Awareness – Players don’t just need to hit the ball well; they need to understand patterns of play, how to construct points, and how to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses. In match-simulated drills, they experience these scenarios repeatedly, allowing them to recognise and execute effective tactics.
Handle Pressure Situations – A key part of tennis success is performing under pressure. Feeding drills don’t create the same tension as facing an opponent. Through match-simulation training, players learn to deal with scoreboard pressure, break points, and momentum shifts.
How I Incorporate Match Simulation in Training
Live-ball drills – Instead of standing in one spot feeding balls, I create drills where players rally with each other under specific conditions, such as playing only crosscourt or attacking short balls.
Game-based scenarios – I introduce drills that replicate match situations, like starting a point with a second serve and playing out the rally or working on holding serve under pressure.
Situational point play – Players practice common match moments, such as defending break points, playing tie-breakers, or serving to close out a set.
By emphasising match-like conditions, my goal is to help players develop skills that translate directly to competition. Tennis isn’t played in a controlled environment – it’s fast, unpredictable, and mentally demanding. That’s why my coaching philosophy is built on training players in the conditions they’ll actually face on court.
If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, consider whether your training truly prepares you for match play. The best way to improve your match performance is to practice in match scenarios – not just hit perfect shots from perfect feeds.
