Self-feed high-clearance lob

Practise a controlled high trajectory that lands well inside the far baseline.

Cooperative drill · Consistency · 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 self-feeds a high groundstroke from the near service line to deep central T. The arrow shows direction only; lob height is explained in the instructions.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Practise a controlled high trajectory that lands well inside the far baseline.

A starts near the near service line with one ball. T is the central far backcourt, safely short of the baseline. The entire opposite court and overhead space must be clear.

How to play

Drop the ball ahead, allow one bounce and send a gentle high groundstroke over the net towards T.
Watch its first bounce, then wait for it to stop before walking to retrieve it.
Alternate forehand and backhand attempts for six shots, adjusting height rather than hitting harder.
Pause after six attempts and repeat. Finish the current shot when the block ends.

Scoring or success

One point for clearing the net comfortably and landing in T. Keep hits out of six; a ball over the fence is not a success.

Rotation & roles

Solo: alternate shot sides every attempt. Walk to retrieve between attempts.

Make it easier

Use the whole far singles backcourt as target and start nearer the net.

Add a challenge

Begin behind the near baseline while retaining a generous margin inside the far baseline.

Mixed levels

Not applicable: solo activity.

Safety & spacing

Check for roofs, lights, adjacent players and wind before lobbing. Use gentle height and stop if the ball risks entering another court.

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.