Service Line Touch Drill

This drill is designed to help players develop touch, accuracy, and soft hands. It serves as both a warm-up and a skill-building exercise, especially for younger or beginner players who are learning control. By rallying from the service line and aiming at a specific target, players focus on precision rather than power.

Setup

• Two players positioned on opposite service lines
• One cone or marker placed in the middle of each service box as a target
• Tennis balls

Rules & Objectives

• Players rally the ball back and forth from the service line
• Each player aims to hit their partner’s target cone/marker
• Every successful hit on the marker counts as one point
• After each rally attempt, players reset to the service line before the next ball

Repetition

• Continue rallying until one player reaches a set score (e.g., 10 points)
• Restrict to forehands only, backhands only, or alternating shots
• Add spin requirements: topspin, slice, or higher looping balls

Coaching Points

• Develops touch and accuracy near the net
• Reinforces use of soft hands and control over power
• Improves rally consistency from a shorter court distance
• Builds confidence in hitting drop shots and touch-based strokes

Drill Tutorial