Pass the Ball Relay

This fun warm-up activity develops hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and focus without using rackets. Players pass the ball through a sequence of movements, keeping everyone engaged while building anticipation and reaction skills. The relay format makes it competitive, energetic, and a great way to prepare for tennis practice.

Setup

• Players line up single-file, about an arm’s length apart
• One tennis ball (or multiple balls for variations)
• Open court space for safe movement

Rules & Objectives

• Player 1 passes the ball through their legs to Player 2
• Player 2 then passes the ball over their head to Player 3
• Continue alternating (legs, then over the head) until the ball reaches the last player
• The last player runs to the front of the line and starts the sequence again
• Continue until every player has had a turn starting the relay

Repetition

• Introduce different sizes of balls (foam balls, basketballs, ping pong balls) to vary the challenge
• Split into two teams and run the relay as a race
• Add rules, such as no drops allowed, or restart if the sequence is broken
• Use multiple balls at once for added chaos and coordination training

Coaching Points

• Improves hand-eye coordination and reaction time
• Builds teamwork and communication
• Provides variety with different ball types and sizes
• Acts as a light, engaging warm-up before tennis drills

Drill Tutorial