Step-Back Serving Challenge

This drill helps players improve serving consistency, power, and accuracy under competitive conditions. By gradually moving farther back after achieving a set number of successful serves, players are challenged to maintain proper technique while increasing distance. The competitive element keeps players engaged and motivated, while reinforcing good fundamentals like toss, contact point, and weight transfer.

Setup

• Two players on the same side of the court
• Start just behind the service line
• Tennis balls (basket)
• Optional: cones or markers as targets inside the service box

Rules & Objectives

• Each player serves diagonally into the service box
• After three consecutive successful serves, the player steps back two steps
• The process repeats—three consecutive serves are required to move back again
• Continue until reaching the baseline
• The first player to reach the baseline and complete three successful serves wins

Repetition

• Repeat the competition multiple times, switching service boxes
• Add depth or target areas inside the service box to increase difficulty
• Increase the required number of consecutive serves (e.g., five instead of three)

Coaching Points

• Builds serving accuracy and consistency
• Reinforces correct toss and contact at full extension
• Improves weight transfer and balance
• Adds pressure simulation through competition

Drill Tutorial