Tennis Drills for Left-Handers

John McEnroe, Monica Seles or Goran Ivanesivic are famous tennis players that belong to the 10 percent of people in the world who are left-handers. While a left-hander may require a special pair of scissors or knife for day-to-day activities, in tennis, being left-handed doesn't mean that you need a special racquet or that the drills will be different than the drills for right-handed people. However, being left-handed gives you an advantage in tennis, because your opponent will get the balls at unexpected angles and at a different spin.

  1. Forehand Drill

    • This drill is essential to develop your topspin and is suitable for intermediate players. Perform this drill with a partner or a coach. Have your partner on the other side of the net hit the ball to send it to you so it bounces over the net. Position yourself at about mid-distance between the net and the service line and hit the ball and send it back to your partner. You can choose a closed, semi-open or open stance, but the height of the ball will dictate a topspin forehand.

    Backhand Drill

    • Another way to develop your topspin is through a backhand drill, which is suitable if you are familiar with the basic tennis strokes. Have your partner hit the ball so it leaps above the level of the net and heads toward your backhand side. Stay halfway between the net and the service line and when you see the ball coming, step forward and across with your left foot and send the ball above the net and inside the baseline. You need to hit a topspin backhand.

    Down-the-Line Drill

    • The down-the-line drill involves practicing with a partner. Each of the players should be positioned in each side of the court. Your partner sends the ball to the opposite side of the court and you have to run and use a forehand stroke to return the ball, aiming straight down the line. Have your partner repeat the drill 12 times.

    Footwork Drills

    • Footwork drills are essential for every tennis player to improve speed and control over the game. Regardless if you are left-handed or right-handed, the footwork drills are the same for all. Perform this drill on a soft surface such as a yoga mat or on soft grass. Place a plastic cone, which should be up to 10 inches high, depending on your height. Jump with both feet in air over the cone and then jump to return to your initial position. Do this 12 times, take a two-minute break and repeat the drill. Make sure you are properly warmed up before you start to prevent any knee or ankle injuries.