Sweet Spot Power Shot

This energetic drill teaches young players how to strike the ball at the racket’s sweet spot while building confidence in hitting with power. By using a setup similar to baseball’s “tee-ball,” kids focus on contact, follow-through, and generating enough force to send the ball over the net. The drill makes learning fun with visual targets and loud impact, which keeps younger players motivated.

Setup

• Empty tennis ball can or small cone as a stand
• One foam or low-compression ball placed on top
• Players start at the baseline with a racket
• Coach positioned to monitor technique and resets

Rules & Objectives

• Place the ball on top of the can or cone
• On the coach’s command, the player swings at the ball, aiming to hit it over the net into the opposite court
• If the ball lands in the designated target area, the player scores a point
• Reset the ball and repeat the swing
• Rotate players so everyone gets multiple attempts

Repetition

• Continue for several rounds, awarding points only for balls that clear the net and land in-bounds
• Add restrictions such as forehands only, backhands only, or alternating sides
• Increase difficulty by moving the starting position behind the baseline
• Emphasize follow-through and proper swing mechanics during each attempt

Coaching Points

• Teaches players to hit at the racket’s sweet spot
• Builds power and confidence in groundstrokes
• Reinforces correct swing technique and follow-through
• Keeps practice fun with a tee-ball style challenge

Drill Tutorial