Three-Shot Consistency Game

This drill trains juniors to understand the importance of the first three shots in every point: the serve, the return, and the first groundstroke. By requiring all three to be successful before scoring can begin, players learn to start points with consistency and rhythm. This drill emphasizes focus, accuracy, and patience while providing a foundation for reliable point play.

Setup

• Two players in singles formation
• Red player serves, black player returns
• Standard singles court
• Normal tennis balls (use low-pressure balls for beginners)

Rules & Objectives

• The server begins with a serve
• The returner plays the return into the court
• The server must then hit one more groundstroke into the court
• If all three shots are successful, the point continues as normal until one player wins
• If any of the first three shots are missed, the point is restarted from the serve
• Play can continue with normal scoring once the three-shot requirement is met

Repetition

• For beginners: allow two serves to start the point
• For intermediates/advanced: allow only one serve per point
• Require returners to land their return beyond the service line for added difficulty
• Play games or sets using standard scoring, but only after the three-shot rule is satisfied

Coaching Points

• Builds consistency on serve, return, and first groundstroke
• Reinforces the importance of point-starting patterns
• Improves focus under structured rules
• Develops tactical awareness by encouraging deeper, higher-quality returns
• Creates a game-like environment that rewards precision over speed

Drill Tutorial