First of all , decide on your objective for each session . Break it down into categories : stroke improvement , offensive shots , defensive shots , working on hitting spin , hitting against spin , specific shot selection ( example : return of serve ), hitting balls ( and hitting against balls ) that have depth and pace , hitting shots that have little pace , lobbing off of the machine ’ s shot , returning a machine-lobbed ball with a hard groundstroke , lobbing a lob , etc .

You can add new items to your list by watching the many good videos of the pros online . But , first , start with a basic plan to use the machine properly for stroke improvement . It will give you an anchor , a place to return if you are struggling .

I watch players set up the machine to hit forehands , for example , and that is the last thought given before the first ball comes flying out of the machine .

State your objective : “ Today , I am going to work on my forehand crosscourt and forehand down the line . I will set the machine to hit the ball deep to the forehand corner at a medium pace so that I can return

to the center of the court between each stroke . I will not camp out in the corner . I will force myself to take the paddle back as soon as I leave the center of the court so that I am prepared to hit the ball when I get to the corner . As I take my paddle back , I will bend my knees so that I can adjust to the height and pace of the coming ball .

“ I will focus on the ball as it comes flying out of the machine and I will track the ball over the net and keep my head down as I watch the ball bounce then make contact with my paddle . I will stay down through the follow-through so that I can quickly return to the center of the court in preparation for the next shot . Each and every shot I hit will be a deliberate stroke placed deep to the opposing forehand corner .”

You should begin by hitting just crossscourts . Then do a round of down-the-line forehands . Wait a second longer to hit the ball down the line but be sure to keep your head down as your body forms a tripod over the shot . Then do a round of alternating crosscourts then down-the-line shots . You can make any combination — for example , two crosscourts , one down the line — to keep yourself fresh when you drill .

This drill is strictly for stroke improvement . Don ’ t set the machine to hit too hard or too frequently . You want to think of yourself being videoed on every shot for an instructional video . Hold that position . Exaggerate your follow-through . Footwork and fundamentals are the key to stroke improvement . Next , do the same basic drill on your backhand ,

Vic Vosen has set the ball machine to hit down the center of the court . He prepares early so he can step into the ball and hit it down the middle of the court through the target . He practices this drill from both sides .

Just as he practiced the down-the-middle shot from the forehand side , Vic Vosen prepares early to hit the middle shot through the target from the backhand side .

Vic Vosen has set the ball machine to hit to the forehand side . We used the court broom and the roller as standards on one side of the court and stretched surveyor tape between them a foot above the net . His objective is to practice clearing the net by a safe margin . Hitting into the net is a common unforced error . Players need to train for depth and consistency . Visual aids are particularly helpful . It was interesting that several young people stopped to watch the photo shoot . Targets and visuals are wonderful teaching tools as well as training devices . You can use PVC pipe to make your own tools , but often things are available at the courts .

PHOTOS BY ALICE TYM .