Target Rally Game

This warm-up drill is designed to sharpen focus, timing, and accuracy while keeping players engaged at the start of practice. Working in pairs, players place target balls in the service boxes and then rally to see which pair can strike their opponent’s targets first. The competitive element boosts concentration and footwork, while the adaptable setup allows coaches to adjust difficulty by moving targets farther back or increasing their number.

Setup

• Four players total (two pairs)
• Each pair places one tennis ball in their own service box as a target
• Players start at the service line, rallying within their side of the court

Rules & Objectives

• Each pair places their target ball in the service box where they think their partner is most likely to hit
• Rally begins with one player feeding the ball
• Teams rally crosscourt, aiming to hit their opponent’s target ball
• The first team to strike one of the opponent’s targets wins the round
• Reset and repeat, switching feeding players each round

Repetition

• Play multiple rounds, rotating partners after a set number of games
• Move players back to the baseline while also shifting targets deeper into the court
• Add a second target ball per team for increased difficulty
• Play timed matches to see which pair scores the most target hits

Coaching Points

• Enhances concentration and focus at the start of practice
• Improves shot accuracy by aiming at small targets
• Reinforces footwork and positioning in short-court rallies
• Provides a fun, competitive warm-up to energize players

Drill Tutorial