Serve-and-Rally Rotation Drill

This drill combines serving accuracy with live rally play, keeping players mentally engaged while working on both technical and competitive aspects of the game. Players alternate between serving to targets and rallying with the coach, adding variety and pressure to the practice. By scoring points for accuracy and consistency, the drill reinforces focus, adaptability, and proper serving mechanics under competitive conditions.

Setup

• 3 players + 1 coach
• Markers or cones placed in the service boxes (deuce side to start)
• Balls and a standard tennis court
• Players begin on the baseline at one end

Rules & Objectives

• Players 2 and 3 serve from the baseline to the deuce-side service box, aiming for target markers
• Player 1 rallies crosscourt with the coach
• Whenever a server hits a target, they switch roles with the rallying player
• Play for 10 minutes, keeping score of successful targets and rally points
• The player with the most points at the end wins

Repetition

• Play multiple rounds, rotating roles often
• Progress from simple rallying with the coach to point play once consistency is established
• Add conditions (e.g., rallies limited to forehands or backhands only)
• Increase serving difficulty by requiring spin or depth placement

Coaching Points

• Develops serving accuracy with targets
• Reinforces proper serving mechanics (toss, extension, weight transfer)
• Builds mental focus by balancing serving with rally play
• Improves adaptability under competitive conditions

Drill Tutorial