How to integrate the Drill Scores into your training

With drill scores, development is no longer just a feeling - it is measurable. But what is the most effective way to work with them? Let's start with a few concrete examples for your training! 💯

With the Drill Scores, we enable you to objectively evaluate the hitting skills of your players. Various quality criteria are analysed and broken down to a simple score. Divided into a accuracy and speed value, they can be used to measure the quality of the forehand, backhand or serve. In this way, you create one thing above all: comparability.

At first glance, comparability sounds all well and good. But when and how can I usefully integrate the tool into my training? First of all, be aware that you can use the scores with different objectives.

• Document long-term development: Measure scores in standardised test scenarios over longer periods of time and track their development.
• Monitor // Support training feedback: Use the scores within a training session to demonstrate the effects/impact of your corrections. 
• Increase motivation: Benefit from the effect of direct feedback on the quality of a drill (especially in group / team training).

🎯Long-term view: The status quo test

Especially over long periods, the scores are a transparent way to document the development of a player - no matter at which level. The measurable and thus visible progress is just as motivating for beginners as it is for experienced players. Is there progress or is the player stagnating? And in which areas is there still room for improvement?

In order to build up a good database on the quality development of the groundstrokes or serves, standardised tests are needed. We recommend the following exercise structure:

In order to collect scores that are as comparable as possible over an observation period, it is important to structure the exercise as standardised as possible. This applies to the following aspects:

• Always the same number of shots per test
• For groundstrokes, the approach should be as standardised as possible (we recommend using a ball machine).
• External conditions as neutral as possible.

Depending on the structure, the test should either take up a separate unit or be carried out at the beginning of the training in order to ensure a low level of stress for the players.  

🎯Short-term view: quality within a training session

In addition to looking at scores over a longer period of time, their change within an exercise or training session can also be informative.

Use the same structure of the first exercise when working with a player on technical aspects (for example, a too intensive forehand swing or a too strong western grip). No doubt, learning effect will particularly be reinforced when athletes experience a noticeable improvement after a correction. Thanks to the scores, this experience will be as striking as possible.

The various interpretation and application possibilities of the Drill Scores also become apparent in the context of partner drills. Check to what extent players are able to maintain the quality of their shots over long rallies. Resistance to stress is the magic word here. 🪄

Analyse whether the overall level of scores remains constant or drops. Depending on the focus of your training, you can of course also just look at the progression of the precision or speed scores.

🎯Short-term view: Challenges

Finally, you can also integrate the Drills Scores into your training without any analytical backgrounds. Bring more competition character into your exercises with playful challenges. What could be more motivating than competing against each other - especially when you get direct and measurable feedback on your exercise?