Medicine Ball Chops I–II For Tennis | 7.121–7.122
Book family 7.121–7.122 from Advanced Concepts of Strength & Conditioning for Tennis. Select the support, timing and return conditions for the intended progression.
Video References
The first clip shows the overhead slam and rebound without a partner. The second shows an over-shoulder partner feed and diagonal bounce return. The partner reception changes the task; it is not simply the first slam performed in another direction. Rehearse the other receiving side separately if selected for the session.
I: Floor Slam And Rebound
II: Partner-Fed Diagonal Chop
Setup And Execution
For I, stand with the feet under the shoulders and hold the medicine ball in both hands close to the trunk. Raise it behind the head, extend the trunk, then flex the trunk forcefully and slam the ball into the floor. Keep the feet in place and the head clear of the rebound path. Catch the rebound and use its upward movement to link into the next overhead preparation. Inhale during the catch and exhale during the slam.
II changes the feed and direction. A partner stands behind the athlete and tosses the ball over one shoulder. Look over that shoulder and catch with both hands, immediately rotate the trunk to the opposite side, then slam a diagonal bounce pass back to the partner. Rotate back to receive the next feed. Establish the basic slam-and-catch pattern before adding the over-shoulder reception and rotation; keep the stance stable through the diagonal return.
Technique Photographs
Book Progressions
7.121 — Medicine Ball Chops (I)
Raise the ball into an overhead preparation, slam it into the floor and receive its rebound before preparing the next slam.
7.122 — Medicine Ball Diagonal Chops (Ii)
Receive a two-handed over-shoulder feed, rotate toward the other side and slam a diagonal bounce pass back to the partner.
Choose The Load And Progression
Use a medicine ball that permits the prescribed throw, support position and recovery. Reduce ball mass or simplify support when the athlete loses balance or cannot control the return.
Historical equipment ranges in the original book are not starting-load prescriptions. Establish the movement and support position before increasing load or return frequency. Do not change support difficulty and load together simply to reach a higher numbered level.