Mini-court depth ladder

Earn the right to move back by keeping the same relaxed rally rhythm.

Cooperative drill · Consistency · 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 = targetA and B begin at opposite service lines and rally centrally. Dashed arrows show each moving back towards their own baseline after a successful six-return rally.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Earn the right to move back by keeping the same relaxed rally rhythm.

A and B face one another near opposite service lines. Begin inside the central service-box area using one ball. Singles boundaries apply.

How to play

A drop-feeds and both play after one bounce, keeping the ball comfortable for the partner.
After six consecutive returns, stop the ball and both move one normal step towards the baseline.
Start a new rally from that distance. A miss or second bounce ends the sequence but does not force a move forward.
After three failed attempts at a distance, move one step closer. Alternate feeder every rally and finish the current rally at time.

Scoring or success

Record the farthest shared starting distance from which you complete six returns. This is cooperative progression, not official scoring.

Rotation & roles

Both move together only while the ball is dead. Alternate the feeder every rally; pause after six rallies.

Make it easier

Require four returns before moving back.

Add a challenge

Require ten returns and aim behind the partner’s service line once both reach the baseline.

Mixed levels

Use an unequal starting distance if that gives both players a comfortable rally.

Safety & spacing

Check behind before taking each step and stop the ball before changing distance. Keep spare balls outside the run-off area.

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.