with Kevin Epley,
University of South Carolina Head Coach;
2019 ITA/Wilson National Women's Coach of the Year;
2019 SEC Coach of the Year;
2019 Elite Eight appearance; 3x Sweet Sixteen appearances ('07, '17, '18);
15 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons as a head coach (South Carolina, William & Mary, Fresno State);
over 275 career wins;
has worked as a traveling coach for professional players Megan Moulton-Levy, Lindsay Lee-Waters, Lindsay Davenport and Patty Schnyder;
former head coach of the St. Louis Aces (World Team Tennis League);
former U.S. Olympic team assistant coach (2000 Sydney games);
former U.S. Federation Cup team assistant coach (1997-2002)

It can be difficult to get your players to give maximum effort throughout the whole season, or even an entire practice. Thankfully, University of South Carolina's Kevin Epley has a solution to this dilemma: 'The Cauldron.'

In this video, Epley takes his team through series of drills, all built around making them compete by demanding high intensity and quality shot making. He shows you how his methods can be made to work for you and your own team. You'll be given a glimpse into what makes Epley's teams successful in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

'The Cauldron'

Coach Epley starts by discussing 'The Cauldron' and how he shapes his practices. You'll learn why competition is the basis behind his philosophy and how he fosters a competitive atmosphere in each practice session. He also covers the concept of "external cueing" and why it's important when training tennis players.

Live Practice

"The Clijsters" is a competitive drill that Epley uses to develop shot consistency and depth of shot. You'll see his players demonstrate the "Aggressor/Defender Drill along with five variations, which is a main staple of his team's training that promotes consistency and sound decision-making skills.

In the variety section of 'The Cauldron,' Epley introduces the Forbidden Box and the Mix Game. Both of these drills develop player fitness and consistency by challenging them to hit to prescribed areas of the court with point penalties for an inability to do so.

Serving, Volleying, Mental Toughness

Coach Epley includes additional games/drills that train:

• Serving - Learn to section the serve box and simulate the return's baseline positioning to challenge players' serve consistency and placement.
• Volleying - Improve the overall volley prowess of your players while building their conditioning with a rigorous exercise.
• Mental Toughness - Watch as players go through a conditioning session, followed by a 7-point baseline drill which challenges their fitness level and develops toughness through adversity.

This is a great video for any coach looking to run a high-intensity practice containing drills and practice methods that will boost the talent level and conditioning of your players! Epley's system will help you see how to get your team playing with greater effort and purpose in the seasons ahead.

51 minutes. 2020.

with Kevin Epley,
University of South Carolina Head Coach;
2019 ITA/Wilson National Women's Coach of the Year;
2019 SEC Coach of the Year;
2019 Elite Eight appearance; 3x Sweet Sixteen appearances ('07, '17, '18);
15 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons as a head coach (South Carolina, William & Mary, Fresno State);
over 275 career wins;
has worked as a traveling coach for professional players Megan Moulton-Levy, Lindsay Lee-Waters, Lindsay Davenport and Patty Schnyder;
former head coach of the St. Louis Aces (World Team Tennis League);
former U.S. Olympic team assistant coach (2000 Sydney games);
former U.S. Federation Cup team assistant coach (1997-2002)

Players often are reluctant to poach in doubles play, and when they do, often they are passed or are out of position even at the advanced level. Coach Kevin Epley addresses this dilemma inside this video. You will learn to run plays off of a partner's serve, how to anticipate where the ball is supposed to go before it is hit by the opponent, and how Epley encourages a proactive mindset in his players so that they are aggressive and fearless in doubles play.

Foundational Drills for Doubles

Coach Epley begins with a wide base volley warm-up with seven variations, in which he goes over the footwork needed to be successful at volleys in doubles. Additionally, his warm-up improves split step timing and developing defensive volley skills.

Proper doubles positioning, which will in turn affect a player's ability to poach at the net, is also covered. Epley introduces the EK Triangle Drill in which athletes work on navigating the one up, one back doubles formation. You'll also discover how Coach Epley teaches ball recognition so player can anticipate and force their opponent's hand in rallies to shift the odds in their favor.

Playbook of Patterns

Next, you'll learn how Epley's doubles team builds a playbook of patterns to run against opponents while serving. He introduces the criteria they use to develop the plays and how they will be used based on factors such as the opponent's tendencies and the location of the serve.

Additionally, Coach Epley explains where the server should stand to have the best chance of success. He covers the correct positioning of the net player for a planned poach, reaction poach from the I position, regular doubles formation and "offset I" formation.

Competitive Games

Coach Epley finishes with competitive games used to hone his team doubles skills. His games are high in intensity, as well as challenging and fun for players. The goal of them all is to get players involved in moving at the net and creating opportunities for their doubles team.

This video is chock full of valuable information to help players become more competent and aggressive doubles players. You'll learn how to develop the skills needed to anticipate opponents' moves on the court and how to cover the court at the net. This is a must-see for all doubles tennis players and coaches!

69 minutes. 2020.

with Kevin Epley,
University of South Carolina Head Coach;
2019 ITA/Wilson National Women's Coach of the Year;
2019 SEC Coach of the Year;
2019 Elite Eight appearance; 3x Sweet Sixteen appearances ('07, '17, '18);
15 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons as a head coach (South Carolina, William & Mary, Fresno State);
over 275 career wins;
has worked as a traveling coach for professional players Megan Moulton-Levy, Lindsay Lee-Waters, Lindsay Davenport and Patty Schnyder;
former head coach of the St. Louis Aces (World Team Tennis League);
former U.S. Olympic team assistant coach (2000 Sydney games);
former U.S. Federation Cup team assistant coach (1997-2002)

It can be difficult to get your players to give maximum effort throughout the whole season, or even an entire practice. Thankfully, University of South Carolina's Kevin Epley has a solution to this dilemma: 'The Cauldron.'

In this video, Epley takes his team through series of drills, all built around making them compete by demanding high intensity and quality shot making. He shows you how his methods can be made to work for you and your own team. You'll be given a glimpse into what makes Epley's teams successful in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

'The Cauldron'

Coach Epley starts by discussing 'The Cauldron' and how he shapes his practices. You'll learn why competition is the basis behind his philosophy and how he fosters a competitive atmosphere in each practice session. He also covers the concept of "external cueing" and why it's important when training tennis players.

Live Practice

"The Clijsters" is a competitive drill that Epley uses to develop shot consistency and depth of shot. You'll see his players demonstrate the "Aggressor/Defender Drill along with five variations, which is a main staple of his team's training that promotes consistency and sound decision-making skills.

In the variety section of 'The Cauldron,' Epley introduces the Forbidden Box and the Mix Game. Both of these drills develop player fitness and consistency by challenging them to hit to prescribed areas of the court with point penalties for an inability to do so.

Serving, Volleying, Mental Toughness

Coach Epley includes additional games/drills that train:

• Serving - Learn to section the serve box and simulate the return's baseline positioning to challenge players' serve consistency and placement.
• Volleying - Improve the overall volley prowess of your players while building their conditioning with a rigorous exercise.
• Mental Toughness - Watch as players go through a conditioning session, followed by a 7-point baseline drill which challenges their fitness level and develops toughness through adversity.

This is a great video for any coach looking to run a high-intensity practice containing drills and practice methods that will boost the talent level and conditioning of your players! Epley's system will help you see how to get your team playing with greater effort and purpose in the seasons ahead.

51 minutes. 2020.



TND-05684B:

with Kevin Epley,
University of South Carolina Head Coach;
2019 ITA/Wilson National Women's Coach of the Year;
2019 SEC Coach of the Year;
2019 Elite Eight appearance; 3x Sweet Sixteen appearances ('07, '17, '18);
15 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons as a head coach (South Carolina, William & Mary, Fresno State);
over 275 career wins;
has worked as a traveling coach for professional players Megan Moulton-Levy, Lindsay Lee-Waters, Lindsay Davenport and Patty Schnyder;
former head coach of the St. Louis Aces (World Team Tennis League);
former U.S. Olympic team assistant coach (2000 Sydney games);
former U.S. Federation Cup team assistant coach (1997-2002)

Players often are reluctant to poach in doubles play, and when they do, often they are passed or are out of position even at

with Kevin Epley,
University of South Carolina Head Coach;
2019 ITA/Wilson National Women's Coach of the Year;
2019 SEC Coach of the Year;
2019 Elite Eight appearance; 3x Sweet Sixteen appearances ('07, '17, '18);
15 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons as a head coach (South Carolina, William & Mary, Fresno State);
over 275 career wins;
has worked as a traveling coach for professional players Megan Moulton-Levy, Lindsay Lee-Waters, Lindsay Davenport and Patty Schnyder;
former head coach of the St. Louis Aces (World Team Tennis League);
former U.S. Olympic team assistant coach (2000 Sydney games);
former U.S. Federation Cup team assistant coach (1997-2002)

Kevin Epley, head coach at the University of South Carolina, digs into his method of training his players tactically. College tennis coaches have limited time to work with their players and therefore must solve the problem of how to be efficient in devising training programs for their teams. This video featuring Coach Epley will introduce you to a simple, yet very effective system to accomplish this task.

Developmental Philosophy

Epley begins by breaking down his developmental philosophy and why he creates tactical patterns to train his players. He urges coaches to ask the question: "How do you manage your time in the development of your players?" His personal answer to that question involves expediting the learning process in a manner that allows coaches and players to work more effectively during limited practice time.

Learn Multiple Tactical Patterns of Play

Next, Coach Epley dives into how to use primary and countering patterns that are simple, yet effective. He explains why you should use patterns with your team and how patterns can be used to score additional points against opponents in match play. You'll learn primary attacking, countering, and defensive patterns plus how to use them to get any shot you want on the court. Additionally, Epley breaks down how to shift the court so the opponent is the one doing all the running in a rally.

Coach Epley aptly demonstrates the drills and techniques he has used with great success with his South Carolina women's team in this video. It's cutting-edge information on drills and patterns for coaches and players who want to use aggressive tactics on the court. Epley's strategic and tactical information challenge some conventional tennis teaching, but are front and center for the way the game is being played today.

63 minutes. 2020.

with Nick Carless,
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Head Men's Coach;
2x Wilson/ITA Southwest Region Coach of the Year ('14, '17);
2x Big West Conference regular season & Tournament champions;
2x NCAA Tournament appearances

Cal Poly head coach Nick Carless makes his Championship Productions instructional video debut with this clinic presentation on transition tennis. Coach Carless has twice been named the Wilson/ITA Southwest Region Coach of the Year and puts his expertise on display as he takes you through approach shot footwork and volleys to help strong baseline players become more complete in their skill set.

Training Footwork and Balance

Off the bat, Carless addresses the question of when athletes should hit with an open stance vs. a closed stance. His on-court demonstration highlights what players should do when playing from the middle of the court. The most important aspect of hitting from the middle of the court, as Coach Carless explains, is moving through the ball. The first drill he shows to train this skill is the "Midball Toss", which allows coaches to keep an eye on footwork specifically.

The natural transition from the Midball Toss is to go immediately into live toss hitting. Carless wants his players to hit an accurate ball down the line while utilizing the same footwork they used in the initial drill progression. Once the on-court demonstrations are completed, Coach Carless outlines additional do's and don'ts related to this motion and how to teach the correct technique to players. He also shows one final progression that involves varying the toss to add a decision-making aspect to what kind of shot athletes must use.

Improving the Volley

Between drills, Carless expands on his philosophy behind different shots and the mentality that he coaches his players to use on each shot. He breaks down the "Shadow Volley" drill that he worked on a lot as a young player. The drill can be used to train two-step volley footwork and other essentials for the stance.

The "Swing Volley Toss", a drill designed for 3-4 players, has three main goals according to Coach Carless:

• Big targets.
• Take time away from the opponent.
• Hybrid high groundstroke contact point.

The "Tennis Warehouse" drill will train your players to move forward and attack volleys while also incorporating defense and playing from the "hot seat" in doubles. If you have a lot of players working on one court, this drill will be especially valuable because it can incorporate many people cycling through at once. The final exercise shown by Coach Carless is used to train athletes' ability to hit volleys out of the air, further limiting the amount of time opponents have to react and leading to more aggressive play.

Coach Carless has seen what works best in transition tennis and his drills and philosophies are sure to make you or your team better on volleys. Add this video to your coaching library today and win more balls at the net!

41 minutes. 2020.