Hi!

Here’s a 2-vs-2 group tennis drill to work on baseline precision, partner coordination, and rally consistency.
The goal of this exercise is to encourage players to place the ball into specific target zones at the back of the court while maintaining a steady rally in doubles. It also strengthens communication between partners and improves reading of opponents’ trajectories in controlled match-like conditions.

Drill execution:

• Play in a 2-vs-2 baseline configuration: two attackers (A and B) against two defenders (C and D).
• The coach stands on the side and manually feeds varied balls (topspin or flat), alternating between players A and B.
• The attacking team must return the ball into a designated target zone on the opponent’s side.
• Two zones are marked with cones:
  • one cone placed 1 meter behind the right corner of the baseline (zone 1),
  • another cone 1 meter behind the left corner (zone 2).
• Before each rally, the coach announces the target zone by calling “Zone 1” or “Zone 2.” The attackers must then try to land their shot in the designated zone.
  • If the ball touches or lands very close to the cone: +1 point
  • Otherwise: 0 points
• The defenders must return the balls consistently without trying to win the rally. Their role is to keep a steady rhythm and vary trajectories to create realistic pressure on the attackers.

After 15 rallies, the teams switch roles: defenders become attackers and vice versa. Each player should take at least two turns as an attacker and two as a defender during the drill.

(Image created with ETDM software – Download it here)

This group tennis drill helps players work on precise ball placement into defined zones while strengthening baseline consistency, partner coordination, and the ability to construct a rally under specific tactical constraints.

Download this drill in PDF format