Pressure points with a team budget

Choose when to use a limited bonus point and discuss a simple plan with a partner.

Match format · Doubles teamwork · Serve and return · Minimum 6 minutes

Equipment: rackets, balls
Space: One tennis court with clear run-off space
Suggested block: 14 minutes; allow at least 6

Drill instructions

● Letter = player → Ball ⇢ Movement T = targetA serves near deuce with B at net, against C receiving and D at net. The teams may make one pre-point bonus call per eight-point round; this changes scoring, not court boundaries.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Choose when to use a limited bonus point and discuss a simple plan with a partner.

Start A+B against C+D using normal doubles boundaries. Each pair has one optional bonus call per eight-point round. Agree the intended serve/return plan aloud before the point.

How to play

Play exactly eight points, serving two points each in order A → C → B → D. Alternate deuce/ad within each service turn and allow two serve attempts.
Before any point either pair may say “bonus”, spending its one bonus call for this round. A point is worth two only if that calling pair wins it; otherwise the opponents receive the usual one.
Play out each point with volleys or one bounce; a double fault, miss, out ball or second bounce loses it. Both pairs may call their own bonus on the same point.
After eight points change partners AB/CD → AC/BD → AD/BC, reset bonus calls and restart the listed two-point serving order with the new partners placed on opposite ends. Finish the current point at time.

Scoring or success

Count one for each ordinary winning point and two for a calling pair winning its bonus point. Drawn rounds stand. This is a custom decision game, not official tiebreak scoring.

Rotation & roles

All four serve twice per round. Change partnerships after eight points; each pair chooses fixed deuce/ad receiving sides for that round.

Make it easier

Keep the eight-point rotation but remove the bonus; discuss one safe placement goal before each service turn.

Add a challenge

Before spending the bonus, the pair must state a concrete broad target and coverage plan; the bonus still depends only on winning the point.

Mixed levels

Use comfortable serving pace or an agreed underarm serve; keep the same bonus allowance and equal two-point service turns.

Safety & spacing

Discuss the plan only with a dead ball, keep partner swing areas clear and prioritise controlled placement over body shots.

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.