Alley pass and protect

Practise a controlled passing lane while a net pair protects the doubles alleys.

Competitive game · Volleys · Doubles teamwork · Down the line · Minimum 6 minutes

Equipment: rackets, balls
Space: One tennis court with clear run-off space
Suggested block: 12 minutes; allow at least 6

Drill instructions

● Letter = player → Ball ⇢ Movement T = targetNear-baseline A+B face far-net C+D. After a gentle feed and volley, the baseline pair can seek a pass into far doubles-alley T1 or T2. Targets are outside singles but inside doubles.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Practise a controlled passing lane while a net pair protects the doubles alleys.

A+B begin behind the near baseline, C+D just inside the far service line. Use the full doubles court. T1 and T2 are the far left and right doubles alleys, beyond the far service line.

How to play

A starts with a gentle underarm racket feed to C. C volleys a comfortable ball back to the near court.
After that first controlled volley the point opens. A+B may aim for an alley pass; C+D defend and volley with clear calls.
A net ball, out ball or second bounce ends the point. No hard body passes or lobs are used in this custom game.
Alternate first feeders A/B for four points, then exchange baseline/net team roles. Finish the current point when time ends.

Scoring or success

One point for winning a rally, or two instead if the winning ball first bounces in a far alley target when the baseline team hits it. State the bonus before starting.

Rotation & roles

Swap baseline and net roles every four points; net partners alternate who receives the opening feed.

Make it easier

Use singles-width targets beside the net players rather than the narrow alleys.

Add a challenge

Keep the alley targets and begin the baseline pair farther back, without raising pace.

Mixed levels

Offer a larger passing target to the less experienced baseline hitter while both net players use controlled volleys.

Safety & spacing

Use placement rather than power, do not drive at bodies and stop if a net player is too close for a safe pass.

Follow the illustrated instructions. No video has been published for this activity.

Sources & editorial status

Editorial review needed: original practice rules and diagram, not coach-approved. These are optional practice rules, not official competition rules. References support general tennis guidance; they do not endorse this format.

USTA: Tennis tips and instruction — General coaching reference; does not validate these custom games.
LTA: Improve your game — General learning resource; custom rotations and scoring require review.