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1 player · Beginner · 8 minutes

Serve toss and catch

Rehearse a repeatable service toss without a full serve or a hurried swing.

Cooperative drill · Serve and return · Minimum 4 minutes

Equipment
rackets, balls
Space
One tennis court with clear run-off space
Suggested block
8 minutes; allow at least 4
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Drill instructions

Serve toss and catch: court patternA practises a vertical toss behind the near deuce baseline, then moves to the ad side. The short ball arrow beside A represents the toss rising locally, not forward court travel; no ball crosses the net. Net A
● Letter = player   → Ball   ⇢ Movement   T = targetA practises a vertical toss behind the near deuce baseline, then moves to the ad side. The short ball arrow beside A represents the toss rising locally, not forward court travel; no ball crosses the net.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Rehearse a repeatable service toss without a full serve or a hurried swing.

A stands behind the near baseline in a comfortable serving stance with one ball. Keep the racket in the other hand or place it safely outside the run-off area.

How to play

  1. Release the ball upwards with the tossing hand from your normal starting position. Do not hit it.
  2. Let an uncomfortable toss fall without chasing it. For a comfortable toss, catch it with the same hand or let it bounce safely in front.
  3. Make five relaxed attempts on the deuce side, then move behind the ad side for five more.
  4. Rest for 20 seconds after ten attempts. Repeat, finishing the current attempt when time ends.

Scoring or success

Count tosses that can be caught without stepping or stretching. Compare your two five-attempt totals; height and contact location are personal practice choices.

Rotation & roles

Solo: change side every five attempts and pause after ten. No ball is served into an occupied court.

Make it easier

Toss lower and concentrate on a smooth release.

Add a challenge

Add a slow service preparation while still catching instead of swinging.

Mixed levels

Not applicable: solo activity.

Safety & spacing

Leave the back and sides clear, avoid forced shoulder positions and stop if the movement hurts. Do not attempt a swing while catching.

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 placement ladder: court patternA serves alternately to wide T1 and central T2 in the far diagonal service box. Mirror for the ad side. T1T2 Net A

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Movement · Volleys

Rackets · no ball used

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