In this first part of our “control” exercise – common in clay-court training – we see Prajnesh Gunneswaran (one of India’s best players) working on his control and fitness.

The objectives of the exercise are as follows:

1. Control of the direction and trajectory of each stroke
2. Aerobic conditioning
3. Use of leg movements to consistently find a good contact position
4. Forward and backwards movement (optional) for clay-court tennis
5. Control of the ball for long periods, with an intensity of around 60-70%, depending what we are working on (aerobic or anaerobic conditioning)

These exercises are controlled using a heart-rate monitor, and the length and number of repetitions carefully monitored.

In this video, Prajnesh is seen from behind, and it is possible to note the trajectory of the ball. Intensity is deliberately no more than 60-70%, so that Prajnesh can perform the exercise for a longer duration.