Hierarchy Point Play Lesson

Utilizing a Hierarchy of Assessment point-play-based lesson is one of the simplest and most effective ways for a coach to deliver high-yield instruction to players first learning the game.

If players are physically warmed up and familiar with the basic rules, a lesson can consist primarily of point play, during which the coach simply observes and offers targeted guidance at the right times.

The foundation of an effective observed point play lesson is to apply the Hierarchy of Assessment, using this structured coaching lens to identify and highlight specific areas of focus.

Beginner and low-level players tend to repeat the same mistakes over and over as they gain experience. The coach’s role is to recognize and correct these recurring issues in a simple, systematic way—while allowing players to get reps playing live points and experience the fun of light competition.

Rules and Positioning

Watch for and call any rule infractions, such as:

• Kitchen zone violations
• Two-bounce rule violations
• Service faults

Define and clarify proper starting positions at the beginning of a rally, including:

• All players starting behind the baseline, except the returner’s partner—who should be positioned at the kitchen line. Take time to explain that this formation is a natural result of the rules and basic strategy, and highlight which team is serving and which is returning. New players often confuse these roles, leading to improper positioning and confusion as the rally begins.
• Player rotation after scoring: Ensure players understand how to rotate after winning a point, and when positions remain the same following a rally won by the receiving team.

If players are still learning to keep score, announce the correct score before each rally and over a brief explanation when needed.

Positioning Mistakes to Watch For

Observe players’ movement and positioning during rallies, and address common mistakes, such as:

• Serving team moving inside the baseline before they can determine where the return will land
• Returner crowding the baseline when receiving serve
• Returner not fully advancing to the kitchen line after hitting their return
• Serving team failing to actively attempt to move forward and improve court position
• Returning team retreating off the kitchen line without cause
• Transitioning team failing to recognize when to adjust positioning, including:
• Advancing when a clear opening is presented
• Retreating when a clear attacking opportunity is presented to the opposing team

Shot Selection Fundamentals

Instill basic shot selection to guide players toward smart decision-making with their first few shots, such as:

• Serve with depth
• Return with depth and net clearance, with the default direction being cross-court—
• back in the direction of the serve
• 3rd shot: Encourage a controlled drive that stays reasonably low and is aimed well
• inside the sidelines, often targeting the returning player as they move forward. While drops can be introduced, they are typically more difficult to execute from deeper positions and may require more time to develop
• 4th shot: Encourage aggressive, deep shots that keep the opposing team pinned at the back of the court. Utilize angles when the ball is more elevated, and counter drives with strong, compact volleys directed back in the same direction they came from

Mechanics

Address major mechanical deficiencies that prevent consistent execution so rallies can progress and be developed.

• Serve consistency: Prioritize correcting serve mechanics when a player struggles to get serves in play. Serving errors prevent rallies from starting—disrupting rhythm and excluding other players from participating, which can lead to frustration for the entire group.
• Groundstrokes: Prioritize correcting groundstroke mechanics when a player struggles to put returns or 3rd shots in play. Basic corrections to bring a player up to a minimum level of proficiency include: ball tracking, early preparation, spacing, body rotation, stance, swing path, and paddle angle.
• Volleys: Prioritize correcting volley mechanics when a player struggles to put 4th shot volleys in play, whether receiving drives or floaters. Basic corrections to raise proficiency include: holding court position, stance, ready position, paddle angle, swing path, contact point, and swing acceleration.

By following these straightforward steps, coaches can keep the session both instructive and enjoyable for players—and make their own role easy to manage while remaining impactful.