Rotating Rally Drill

This drill teaches players how to maintain a rally while emphasizing consistency, net clearance, and proper contact. Players rotate through baseline positions while hitting cooperatively with the coach, who volleys balls back to keep the rally continuous. The format develops rhythm, timing, and discipline in shot execution.

Setup

• Coach stands at the service line (or baseline for variation) with a basket of balls
• Players line up along the baseline, waiting their turn

Rules & Objectives

• Coach feeds the first ball to Player 1
• Player 1 rallies the ball back to the coach
• After hitting, Player 1 moves off to the side
• Player 2 steps in and returns the next ball from the coach
• Continue until all players rotate through the line
• Options:
• Restrict to forehands only for right-handers, backhands only for left-handers
• Switch sides of the court to practice the opposite strokes

Repetition

• Progression 1: If a player misses, they sit out for one round before rejoining
• Progression 2: Replace the coach with another player at the feeding/volleying position
• Progression 3: Set a rally goal (e.g., 8 consecutive shots). If the group fails, enforce a team penalty such as push-ups, shuttle runs, or sprints

Coaching Points

• Builds rally consistency and rhythm
• Reinforces net clearance (2–3 feet above the net)
• Emphasizes making contact in front of the body at the peak of the bounce
• Trains patience and discipline in groundstrokes
• Adds teamwork and accountability with group scoring/penalties

Drill Tutorial