Controlled overhead to target

Practise turning and setting up for an overhead without a live chase.

Cooperative drill · Volleys · Movement · Minimum 5 minutes

Equipment: rackets, balls
Space: One tennis court with clear run-off space
Suggested block: 10 minutes; allow at least 5

Drill instructions

● Letter = player → Ball ⇢ Movement T = targetB lobs gently from the far service line to A near the near service line. A turns for a controlled overhead towards far right T, away from B. Arrows show direction rather than ball height.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Practise turning and setting up for an overhead without a live chase.

A starts near the near service line and B near the far service line. T is a broad far backcourt target away from B. B feeds a gentle high ball that stays within A’s comfortable range.

How to play

B gently lobs towards A. A turns sideways and moves with small controlled steps rather than backpedalling.
A lets the ball bounce once if needed and plays a controlled overhead towards T. Power is not the objective.
End on the overhead’s first bounce or a miss. B retrieves only when the ball is dead and A has stopped.
After five attempts swap roles. Finish the current attempt when time ends.

Scoring or success

One point for balanced preparation and one for an overhead landing in T. A safely abandoned feed is simply replayed.

Rotation & roles

Swap feeder and overhead hitter after five playable feeds. Pause between attempts to check both players are ready.

Make it easier

Always allow a bounce and feed almost vertically into a comfortable hitting position.

Add a challenge

Take a comfortable feed before the bounce, retaining a controlled target and pace.

Mixed levels

Adjust lob depth separately for each player and allow a bounce for either at any time.

Safety & spacing

Do not run backwards or hit towards the feeder. Let a ball that travels behind you bounce and stop; check overhead clearance.

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.