Net versus baseline teams

Purpose & setup

Trade net and baseline roles in short, even rounds.

A+B start just inside the near service line. C+D start behind the far baseline. Use doubles boundaries. Everyone is active.

How to play

1. C starts with a gentle underarm racket feed to A. Rally freely inside doubles; net team may volley and baseline team may use one bounce.
2. For this practice game do not lob over the net team. A lob, other out ball, net ball or second bounce ends the point.
3. Alternate feeds C and D for four points, then exchange net/baseline roles with the ball dead.
4. Repeat four-point rounds. Finish the current point at time; walk around the net to switch ends if needed.

Scoring or success

One point per rally to the winning team. A lob loses the point under this custom no-lob rule. Compare scores after both teams have had a net round.

Rotation & roles

After four points A+B move to the baseline role and C+D to net. Everyone plays every rally.

Mixed levels

Use a larger target for the less experienced player and a smaller one for the stronger player.

Safety & spacing

Keep spare balls and equipment outside playing routes. Call shared balls, leave room for swings and retrieve only after the ball is dead. Use a comfortable pace and stop rather than chasing into another player or court.