Solo serve targets

Give every serve a clear target, then count your accurate landings.

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

Drill instructions

● Letter = player → Ball ⇢ Movement T = targetA serves from the deuce side behind the near baseline into the wide half of the far diagonal service box T. Mirror after five serves.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Give every serve a clear target, then count your accurate landings.

A serves from behind the near baseline on the deuce side. Imagine the wide half of the opposite diagonal service box as target T. Use one ball at a time; no markers or basket needed.

How to play

Serve one ball towards T; let it stop before retrieving. Keep spare balls out of the playing area.
Count one attempt whether it lands in or misses. Retrieve only when the court is clear.
After five attempts switch to the ad side and aim for the mirrored wide half of the diagonal service box.
Repeat five-serve rounds. End on the last completed serve when time is up.

Scoring or success

One point for a first bounce in T; zero otherwise. Record hits out of five on each side. These are practice targets, not official scoring.

Rotation & roles

Solo: change serving side every five attempts. Pause to retrieve balls between attempts.

Make it easier

Move closer and use a slower, comfortable ball speed.

Add a challenge

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

Mixed levels

Not applicable: solo activity.

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.

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.