Player practice guide
Net Game Drill + Rally
15 min PartnerIntermediateMatch play
Connect net-game positioning and volley skills to a live rally.
Best for: pairs who can rally from the baseline and want to connect an approach with controlled live net play.
Goal
Build a neutral rally, approach behind a suitable ball and sustain the first two net exchanges.
Success today
Complete 5 of 8 patterns with a four-ball baseline rally, deep approach and two controlled net contacts.
Watch before court
Technique reference
Simple Guide to Fantastic Volley Footwork · 3:03
Technique reference—not the full drill. Watch the split-step, forward movement and balanced recovery around each volley.
Open video on YouTubeArrive ready
Before you go
- One hitting partner
- Tennis balls
- 4 flat cones
- Approximately 15 minutes of court time
Court blueprint
Set up the court
Rally from the baseline, use the marked deep ball to approach and continue forward for two controlled net contacts while the partner stays at the baseline.
- Ball direction
- Player movement
- Recovery
- Target zone
- 01Mark a deep approach target and a balanced first-volley zone.
- 02Start both players at the baseline.
- 03Agree that the approaching player moves forward only after four rally balls.
Step by step
Your 15-minute practice
0–3 min
Establish the approach ball
- Rally four balls crosscourt at 60% pace.
- Send the fourth ball into the deep approach target.
3–7 min
Add the first volley
- Move forward behind the approach and split on partner contact.
- Play the first volley deep through the middle.
7–11 min
Sustain two net balls
- Ask the partner for a second controlled passing ball.
- Stay balanced rather than closing too tight.
8 patterns · 4 min
Complete eight patterns
- Count four rally balls, approach and two net contacts.
- Aim for five complete sequences.
Remember
Three player cues
- Earn the approach with depth.
- Split on the passing contact.
- First volley goes deep.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Approaching before the rally is stable
- Following a short approach ball
- Trying to end the drill with the first volley
Keep the same purpose
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Begin with a fed approach ball and require only one controlled volley.
Make it harder
Remove the four-ball cue and let the approaching player decide when a ball is suitable.
Keep it safe
Stop the rally for any loose ball in the approach path and keep unused balls against the back fence.
Continue later