Good tennis coaching drills do more than keep players moving. They give each player a clear skill to work on, a realistic chance to use it, and feedback they can remember when the score is tight.
Whether you coach beginners, juniors, or club players, the best practice sessions balance repetition with decision-making. Try the drills below to build steadier groundstrokes, stronger footwork, more reliable serves, and smarter point play.
How to Get More from a Tennis Drill
Before starting, explain the goal in one sentence: “Recover to the middle after every shot” or “Aim your crosscourt forehand beyond the service line.” A focused target is easier to act on than a long list of technical corrections.
Keep groups small when possible, rotate roles often, and use targets such as cones or court lines. Start with a task players can handle, then add movement, direction, or pressure. If a drill breaks down repeatedly, make it easier before making it harder.
Groundstroke and Footwork Drills
1. Crosscourt Consistency Rally
Goal: Improve rally tolerance, spacing, and recovery.
- Pair players on opposite sides of the net and rally crosscourt only.
- Count how many balls the pair can keep in play, aiming for a target such as 10 or 15.
- After a successful rally, challenge them to send the ball deeper, past the service line.
Coach players to move their feet early and recover toward a useful court position after each shot. Avoid demanding maximum pace. A controlled ball with height over the net gives players more time and helps them build a dependable rally pattern.
2. Feed, Move, Recover
Goal: Practice the full pattern between shots, not just the swing.
- Feed a ball to the player’s forehand side.
- After the player hits, feed the next ball toward the backhand side.
- Continue for four to six shots, then switch players.
Ask players to return to a balanced position after each shot. The feed should be challenging enough to require movement but not so wide that it becomes a sprint-and-guess exercise. Progress by varying the feed or asking the player to hit crosscourt after moving.
3. Deep or Short Decision Drill
Goal: Teach players to recognize when to stay back and when to move forward.
Feed one ball deep and one short, alternating the pattern at first. Players hit the deep ball from behind the baseline, then move forward to attack the shorter ball. Once they understand the sequence, vary the feed so they must read the bounce rather than memorize the order.
Emphasize a controlled approach shot and balance before contact. The goal is not to rush the net every time; it is to move forward when the ball gives them a good opportunity.
Serving and Return Drills
4. Serve to a Target
Goal: Build a repeatable serve and improve placement.
Place a cone or marker in the deuce-court service box, then have each player hit a set of six serves toward it. Record how many land in the box, not only how many hit the target. Repeat to the ad court, and switch between first-serve pace and a controlled second serve.
Give one cue at a time, such as a steady toss or a balanced finish. Players should not sacrifice a reliable motion just to chase speed. For beginners, move closer to the service line until they can serve with a smooth action, then gradually step back.
5. Return and Recover
Goal: Prepare for the serve, make a compact return, and recover.
One player serves at moderate pace while the returner starts in a ready position. The returner aims crosscourt, then recovers for the next shot. Begin with predictable serves to one side; later, serve to either side so the returner has to react.
Remind players to watch the server’s contact and use a short preparation. If the serve is difficult, the first priority is getting the return back in play with height and margin, not trying for a winner.
Point-Play and Doubles Drills
6. Three-Ball Pattern into a Point
Goal: Connect a planned tactic with real decision-making.
Start with a coach feeding a neutral ball. The player must hit crosscourt, recover, and play the next ball deep. From the third shot onward, the point is live. Switch the starting player after each point.
This drill helps players see how a simple pattern can create an opening without forcing a risky shot. Change the pattern to suit the player—for example, serve wide, then look for the open court, or use a deep shot to draw a shorter reply.
7. Doubles: Serve, Return, First Volley
Goal: Improve teamwork and the first two shots of a doubles point.
Have the server aim to a chosen part of the service box while the partner starts near the service line. The returner tries to hit through the middle or at the server’s feet. Play the point out, then rotate positions and roles.
Encourage partners to call “mine” or “yours” early and move together as the rally shifts. The drill is more useful when players focus on coverage and communication than when they simply try to hit a winning return.
Adjusting Drills for Different Players
- Beginners: Use softer or slower feeds, larger targets, and shorter rounds. Work on contact and balance before adding complex patterns.
- Intermediate players: Add direction, recovery rules, and a choice between two shots.
- Advanced players: Add score pressure, serve patterns, and constraints such as starting from a defensive position.
For younger players, shorten the court or use lower-compression balls when appropriate. This makes rallies easier to sustain and gives them more time to move into position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a tennis drill last?
Most drills work well in blocks of about five to 12 minutes, depending on the goal and group size. Stop or adjust if players are waiting too long, losing focus, or repeating the same mistake without useful feedback.
How many drills should be in one tennis practice?
Three or four well-chosen activities are often enough for a session. Include a warm-up, a focused skill drill, a point-play activity, and time to serve or compete. Leave room to repeat a drill that is helping the group.
How can I make tennis drills more fun?
Use short challenges, team scores, or personal bests. For example, ask a pair to beat its previous crosscourt rally count. Keep the scoring tied to the skill being practiced, rather than rewarding only power or speed.
Can beginners do point-play drills?
Yes. Start with a simple rule, such as rallying crosscourt until one player hits a short ball. Use a smaller court or slower ball if needed, then let players play the point freely once they are comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Effective tennis coaching drills have a clear purpose and a sensible progression. Start with a manageable task, give players one useful cue, and then add movement or choices so the skill holds up in a real point. A few focused minutes can do more for a player than a long session of unfocused hitting.
