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HomePracticePractice for 1–4 players2 playersServe-and-return target game

2 players · Intermediate · 12 minutes

Serve-and-return target game

Practise a serve followed by a purposeful deep return.

Competitive game · Serve and return · Minimum 6 minutes

Equipment
rackets, balls
Space
One tennis court with clear run-off space
Suggested block
12 minutes; allow at least 6
Open practice planner →

Drill instructions

Serve-and-return target game: court patternA serves diagonally to B; B returns deep into T behind the near service line. The point ends with the return. T Net AB
● Letter = player   → Ball   ⇢ Movement   T = targetA serves diagonally to B; B returns deep into T behind the near service line. The point ends with the return.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Practise a serve followed by a purposeful deep return.

A serves from behind the deuce baseline; B receives behind the opposite diagonal baseline. T is the area behind A’s service line within singles.

How to play

  1. A has two serve attempts into the diagonal service box; a double fault ends the point.
  2. B returns a legal serve after one bounce towards T. The point ends on that return’s first bounce or a miss; do not play it out.
  3. Repeat for six points, alternating deuce and ad serving sides.
  4. Swap server and returner after six points. Keep complete six-point rounds if time allows; finish the current point at time.

Scoring or success

A earns one for a legal serve; B earns one for a return landing in T. Keep separate totals. This shortened game is not official match scoring.

Rotation & roles

Swap server and receiver every six points; no resting role. Mirror the receiving position when serving side changes.

Make it easier

Serve gently from nearer the service line as an explicitly modified practice feed.

Add a challenge

Use a smaller target while keeping the same rotation and scoring.

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.

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.

Keep the session going.

Serve plus one decision: court patternA serves from near deuce into the far diagonal service box, B returns to near centre and A plays the next shot into far right T. Mirror for ad serves. T Net AB

2 players · Intermediate · 12 min

Serve plus one decision

Choose a safe first groundstroke after your serve instead of ending practice at the return.

Serve and return · Movement

Rackets + balls

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Approach and first volley: court patternB feeds short to A near the near service line. A approaches towards B, moves forward and receives a comfortable ball for a volley to far central T. T Net AB

2 players · Intermediate · 12 min

Approach and first volley

Follow a short-ball approach with a controlled first volley.

Volleys · Movement

Rackets + balls

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Controlled overhead to target: court patternB lobs gently from the far service line to A near the near service line. A turns for a controlled overhead towards far right T, away from B. Arrows show direction rather than ball height. T Net AB

2 players · Intermediate · 10 min

Controlled overhead to target

Practise turning and setting up for an overhead without a live chase.

Volleys · Movement

Rackets + balls

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