4 players · Intermediate · 12 min
Alley pass and protect
Practise a controlled passing lane while a net pair protects the doubles alleys.
Rackets + balls
4 players · Intermediate · 12 minutes
Return and charge pair
Coordinate a forward-moving returner with a partner already guarding the net.
- Equipment
- rackets, balls
- Space
- One tennis court with clear run-off space
- Suggested block
- 12 minutes; allow at least 6
Drill instructions
Purpose & setup
Coordinate a forward-moving returner with a partner already guarding the net.
A serves from the near baseline with B at near-left net. C receives deuce at the far-left baseline with D at far-right net. Use doubles boundaries after the serve.
How to play
- A serves with two attempts into the diagonal service box. C returns under control towards the near backcourt and moves forward in the far-left half.
- D stays in the far-right half and calls any shared middle ball. The receiving pair aims to form balanced side-by-side net positions.
- Play out the doubles point; a double fault, other miss, out ball or second bounce ends it.
- Play four points alternating deuce/ad; C and D take their respective returns and the receiver is the player who advances. Swap serving and receiving teams after four points; finish the current point at time.
Scoring or success
One point per rally. The receiving team separately counts balanced approaches after legal returns, without claiming every forward move is tactically best.
Rotation & roles
Four points per receiving round. Partners keep their receiving sides for that round; next serving round uses the other partner as server.
Make it easier
Use a gentle serve and let the returner begin a step inside the baseline.
Add a challenge
The serving team may choose a controlled low ball or lob after the return.
Mixed levels
Keep serving pace suitable for the receiver and allow an agreed slower transition before the next shot.
Safety & spacing
The advancing receiver stays in their half and split-steps before the next shot. Partners call middle balls and turn rather than backpedal on lobs.
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.