February 2004 -- Sharpen your approach shot and volley skills against the clock
Four wall tests used to measure player ability level
This contest records the amount of time it takes to hit the ball 200 times against the wall. Record the time taken to complete each test. Players are able to compare their “total time” against others who have also been tested.
Ability ranking categories/Minutes-seconds:
Professional – under 3:30
Champion– 3:30-3:44
Tournament player– 3:45-4:14,
Advanced player– 4:15-4:59
Average player– 5:00-5:59
Beginner – 6:00 or longer
Rules:
- To measure these tests accurately, the wall will have a net height line painted on it, a groundstroke line needs to be measured 21 feet from the wall and a volley line should be measured 6 feet from the wall.
- To score a correct hit, the ball must land on or above the net line. In three groundstroke tests, the player must contact the ball when he is standing behind the 21-foot line (volleys are hit standing behind the 6-foot line).
- Tested players should be rotated so that one player does not complete all four tests in a row. Players also should begin each test with a second ball in their pockets. If the ball goes astray, the second ball can be used.
Tests:
- How much time it takes to hit 50 forehands against the wall
(standing 21 feet from the wall).
- How much time it takes to hit 50 backhands against the wall
(standing 21 feet from the wall).
- How much time it takes to hit 50 alternating forehands and backhands against the wall
(standing 21 feet from the wall).
- How much time it takes to hit 50 alternating forehand and backhand volleys against the wall
(standing 6 feet from the wall).
scoring sheet
