Player practice guide
When to Move In for Net Play
15 min Coach / feederIntermediateMatch play
Recognise the right ball and court position for moving forward into the net game.
Best for: baseline players who approach too early or miss clear chances to move forward.
Goal
Recognise a genuinely short or weak ball before committing to the net approach.
Success today
Make the correct stay-or-approach decision on 8 of 10 varied feeds and recover to the right court position.
Watch before court
Technique reference
Approaching the Net in Singles · 1:30
Technique reference—not the full drill. Watch the approach timing, forward split-step and balanced first-volley position.
Open video on YouTubeArrive ready
Before you go
- One coach or capable feeder
- Basket of 20+ tennis balls
- 3 flat cones
- Approximately 15 minutes of court time
Court blueprint
Set up the court
The feeder varies ball depth. Hold the baseline for deep feeds, or move through the short ball and recover near the service line before the next ball.
- Ball direction
- Feeder ball
- Player movement
- Recovery
- Target zone
- 01Mark a baseline recovery cone and a split-step cone near the service line.
- 02Use one deep target for neutral replies.
- 03Ask the feeder to mix deep neutral balls with obvious short balls.
Step by step
Your 15-minute practice
0–3 min
Learn the two positions
- Shadow a baseline recovery after deep ball and a forward split-step after short ball.
- Call stay or approach before moving.
3–7 min
Read feed depth
- Ask the feeder to alternate one deep and one short ball.
- Use the recovery position that matches the feed.
7–11 min
Remove the pattern
- Let the feeder vary the order.
- Approach only when the ball lands inside the marked short zone.
10 decisions · 4 min
Score ten decisions
- Award one point for the correct movement and recovery.
- Aim for eight correct decisions.
Remember
Three player cues
- Read depth before direction.
- Approach a short ball, not a hopeful ball.
- Split as the next ball is struck.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Moving forward on a deep neutral ball
- Waiting until after the bounce to decide
- Running through the split-step position
Keep the same purpose
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Ask the feeder to call short before feeding and use only two predictable depths.
Make it harder
Add a live passing shot after every approach and require the first volley beyond the service line.
Keep it safe
Keep the approach lane clear, the basket behind the feeder and all unused balls away from the service line.
Continue later