Live-ball rally under fatigue

Setup

1. The coach feeds from beside the net on the far side; P2 waits on the far baseline.
2. Cones mark a deep target zone past P2's service line.

How it runs

1. CO feeds P1 wide forehand, wide backhand, alternating, for 20 seconds (about 8 to 10 balls).
2. P1 hits every ball crosscourt and deep, past the service line.
3. On the last feed, CO feeds a neutral ball and P1 plays a live point against P2.
4. Rest 60 to 90 seconds; P2 does the next set. Work:rest is about 1:2 to 1:3.
5. Six sets each. Score the live points; the fatigue is the point.
6. Stop at once with any sharp pain, dizziness or chest pain and tell the coach.

Coaching points

• Keep the split-step on every ball, even when tired.
• Use higher net clearance and bigger targets when fatigued; play the percentages.
• Recover with cross-over steps, not a shuffle, on the wide balls.
• In the live point, build first; don't try to end it early because you're tired.
• Breathe out on contact; use the rest to slow the breathing down.

Common mistakes

• Skipping recovery and hitting from a standing position.
• Going for a winner on the first live ball to make it stop.
• Shortening the rest and fading over the sets.