Tennis Volleyball Rally

This team-based drill combines tennis with volleyball-style rules to keep kids engaged, active, and working together. Players learn to keep the ball alive through teamwork and creativity while practicing fundamental receiving, passing, and rallying skills. The game-like format makes tennis fun, inclusive, and adaptable for different ages and skill levels.

Setup

• Split players into two teams, one on each side of the court
• One tennis ball or foam ball (larger balls for younger players)
• Use full court with doubles alleys included

Rules & Objectives

• The first player from Team A starts the rally with an underhand feed from the baseline
• Players may pass the ball among teammates as many times as needed before returning it over the net
• The rally continues until the ball stops bouncing, rolls on the ground, or lands out of bounds
• The point is then awarded and the next rally begins
• Teams rotate players so everyone gets chances to start, pass, and return balls

Repetition

• Limit the number of passes (e.g., max 2 or 3 touches before hitting over the net, just like volleyball)
• Allow players to control the ball with body parts in addition to rackets (e.g., chest, head, or hands) when using a larger foam ball
• Use smaller tennis balls for older or more advanced kids to increase difficulty
• Track rallies to encourage teams to beat their previous record for most shots kept alive

Coaching Points

• Builds teamwork and communication
• Reinforces control, spacing, and rallying fundamentals
• Develops hand-eye coordination and improvisation skills
• Provides a fun, game-like way to practice tennis in a group setting

Drill Tutorial