Rotating Doubles

This drill is designed to improve players’ reaction time, footwork, and control on low volleys while keeping a group of six to eight players active. By using a rotating doubles format, everyone gets frequent opportunities to practice both net play and point construction. The continuous rotation ensures movement, engagement, and skill-building across multiple positions.

Setup

• 6–8 players
• Standard doubles formation (4 on court at a time, 2 waiting to rotate in if needed)
• Balls dropped diagonally from the baseline to start the point

Rules & Objectives

• Player 2 (deuce side) begins by dropping a ball diagonally across the net
• The feeder immediately moves forward to the net after the drop (variation: wait until after the bounce)
• The ball is live, and the point is played out immediately
• After the rally ends, all four players rotate clockwise to the next position
• Example: server moves to returner spot, returner rotates, net players swap
• Repeat the drill continuously, keeping players moving and engaged

Repetition

• Require feeders to wait until the ball bounces before moving forward
• Replace drop feeds with serves to simulate realistic point play
• Allow out-of-box serves to still count in order to keep the drill flowing
• Run the same drill from the ad side to practice both halves of the court

Coaching Points

• Improves low volley control and reaction speed
• Reinforces net approach footwork under pressure
• Keeps larger groups active through continuous rotation
• Builds adaptability by exposing players to multiple doubles positions

Drill Tutorial