Capture the Net for Kids

“Capture the Net” is a fun and competitive drill designed for kids and juniors learning how to volley. It teaches players how to transition from the baseline to the net and emphasizes the importance of controlling points at the net. The structured rally format keeps kids engaged while giving them repeated opportunities to practice approaching the net and finishing points.

Setup

• Coach feeds the first ball into play
• Two players start at the baseline
• Three balls per round
• Adjust court size for younger players (e.g., use service boxes or a smaller court)

Rules & Objectives

• The coach feeds the first ball to one of the baseline players
• The player who wins the point gets to transition forward and play from the net in the next rally
• Each rally continues until the point is won
• After every rally, the winner takes the net position while the other player returns to the baseline
• Continue until all three balls have been played out
• The player who wins the final rally is the overall winner of the round

Repetition

• Play multiple rounds, rotating who receives the first feed
• Adjust difficulty by changing court size (mini-tennis, service boxes, or full court)
• Add more balls to extend the game
• Encourage underhand feeds for beginners, or live feeds for advanced kids

Coaching Points

• Develops net transition skills
• Improves volley technique and confidence at the net
• Teaches point construction and decision-making
• Keeps kids motivated with a competitive, game-like format

Drill Tutorial