Tennis
Net Play
Volley vs Groundstroke Points
Tennis drill for net play training sessions
One player at the net volleys while the other passes from the baseline — live competitive points.
What This Drill Improves
This tennis drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on net play. It works well with 2 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.
Setup
Net player at service line. Baseline player behind baseline. Standard scoring.
Instructions
- Feed from net player to baseline player to start point.
- Net player must stay at service line or forward.
- Baseline player tries to pass, lob, or put the net player under pressure.
- First to 11 points wins. Swap roles.
Coaching Points
✓ Net player: move forward after each volley — don't let them reset.
✓ Baseline: lob when net player is too close.
✓ Net player: split-step on every groundstroke.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
- The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
- Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.
Progressions: Make It Harder
→ Net player starts at the net (no approach).
→ Lob counts double if it lands inside the service line.
→ Crosscourt passing shots only.
Regressions: Make It Easier
Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.
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