Consistency & Placement Game

This drill focuses on improving the return of serve by emphasizing consistency, depth, and directional placement. Players practice hitting specific return targets—deep middle, crosscourt, down the line, and short angles—while competing in a point-based game. By simulating a variety of realistic return scenarios, this exercise helps players develop anticipation, accuracy, and tactical awareness on returns.

Setup

• Two players: one serving, one returning
• Cones/markers placed in target zones:
• Deep middle
• Deep crosscourt
• Deep down the line
• Short crosscourt (inside service line)
• Short down the line (inside service line)
• Full singles court

Rules & Objectives

• Server serves into the deuce court
• Receiver executes a sequence of 5 returns in order:
• 1st ball → deep down the middle
• 2nd ball → deep crosscourt
• 3rd ball → deep down the line
• 4th ball → short crosscourt (inside service line)
• 5th ball → short down the line (inside service line)
• Use markers to define targets for visual guidance
• Scoring system:
• If the serve is a fault → returner earns 1 point
• If the return misses the target zone → server earns 1 point
• Play until one player reaches 10 points
• After each game, players switch roles (server ↔ returner)
• After both roles are played, move to the ad court and repeat the sequence

Repetition

• Run multiple games to 10 points per side (deuce/ad)
• Increase difficulty: smaller target zones or faster serves
• Advanced variation: server can mix serves (wide, body, T) instead of fixed direction
• Competition format: first to 3 games wins the set

Coaching Points

• Improves return consistency under pressure
• Trains depth and placement control
• Develops anticipation and recognition of serve patterns
• Adds competitive edge with a scoring format
• Reinforces both tactical variety and shot discipline

Drill Tutorial