Hi!

Here’s a group drill that will sharpen your ability to read a serve’s trajectory quickly and react effectively on the return. With the help of a ball machine, players chain returns at a steady pace while working on court positioning and the accuracy of the first shot after the serve.

The goal is to develop reactivity and consistency on the return of serve, with precise trajectory control to neutralise the opponent’s advantage from the very start of the rally.

Drill execution:

• The ball machine is placed in the service area.
• Player A stands in the return position; players B, C and D line up behind.
• The machine feeds 3 varied balls (power/direction).
• Player A makes the returns according to the target instructions given by the coach.
• A goes to the back of the line and B steps in. The rotation runs continuously to involve all players.

Before each serve, the coach calls out a surprise cue (“short cross-court”, “down the middle”, “down the line”).

(Image created with the ETDM software – Download it here)

Pro tip: On the return, prioritise depth over power.

Download this drill sheet in PDF format