Service-box angle chess

Create angles with placement while keeping the whole point inside the service boxes.

Competitive game · Crosscourt · 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 and B play one-bounce points using only the two service boxes on each side. Shaded T areas show the legal landing zones; neither volleys.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Create angles with placement while keeping the whole point inside the service boxes.

A and B begin outside opposite service lines. Use only the singles-width service-box area on each side of the net. No volleys or overheads are used.

How to play

A drop-feeds into either opposite service box. Both let each ball bounce once before hitting.
Aim within the two opposite service boxes, using placement and soft angles rather than pace.
A net ball, bounce beyond a service line or singles sideline, volley or second bounce loses the point.
Alternate feeder each point. Play six points, pause briefly, then change ends; finish the current point at time.

Scoring or success

One point per rally. Six-point rounds can finish 3–3; these short-court boundaries are custom practice rules.

Rotation & roles

Both play every point, alternate feeds and change ends after six points with the ball dead.

Make it easier

Feed centrally and use a cooperative six-return goal before making it competitive.

Add a challenge

Require the first two returns to alternate left and right service boxes before the point opens.

Mixed levels

Give the less experienced player both boxes as a target and the stronger player one nominated box.

Safety & spacing

Keep the pace soft, stop before the net and do not chase a sharp angle onto an adjacent 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.