Hi friends!
Here’s a group drill to learn how to link a solid return of serve with a quick move forward on an unexpected short ball. You’ll need to be sharp, organized, and precise in your forward movement!
The goal is to learn how to chain a solid cross-court return with a quick approach to attack an unexpected short ball, while mastering movement towards the net.
Drill execution:
Players B, C and D line up in single file on the return side, at the back of the court. Player A is alone on the other side, on the serving side.
- A hits a serve at moderate speed to B.
- B plays a cross-court return. Right after the return, A immediately follows up by tossing a short ball by hand into the middle of the court, simulating a poor reply from the opponent.
- B must then react quickly, move forward, and play an attacking shot (forehand or backhand) into the open space.
- Once the action is over, B goes to the back of the line, C takes their place, and the drill continues at a smooth pace.
After three sequences for each player, the roles rotate: A joins the line of returners and the next player (B) becomes the server, and so on until everyone has alternated roles.
(Image created with ETDM software – Download it here)
This return + approach tennis drill helps develop both reactivity and an offensive mindset to gain the upper hand from the very first rallies.
Download this drill in PDF format
