Player practice guide
Speed Variation: High + Low
15 min PartnerIntermediateMatch play
Control the ball while alternating high-speed and low-speed feeds.
Best for: players who struggle to keep depth when rally pace changes from slow, higher balls to faster, lower balls.
Goal
Adapt preparation and spacing to alternating ball speeds while maintaining a deep neutral rally.
Success today
Complete 3 rallies of 12 shots using the agreed high-low speed pattern with at least 9 balls beyond the service line.
Watch before court
Technique reference
This Tennis Technique Wins More Points Than Power #TennisTips #TennisCoaching · 0:47
Technique reference—not the full drill. Watch how controlled placement and net clearance create pressure without relying on maximum pace.
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
Two players rally through the deep crosscourt targets while alternating a slower higher ball and a faster lower ball, recovering after every change of pace.
- Ball direction
- Recovery
- Target zone
- 01Mark deep targets on both sides.
- 02Agree that one player alternates a slower high ball and a faster lower ball.
- 03Switch the player controlling speed after each successful rally.
Step by step
Your 15-minute practice
0–3 min
Separate high and low shapes
- Rally four high balls, then four lower faster balls.
- Keep both patterns safely deep.
3–7 min
Alternate every two shots
- Use two high balls followed by two low balls.
- Recover before changing pace.
7–11 min
Alternate every shot
- Call high or low before contact.
- Let the height change without chasing maximum speed.
11–15 min
Complete three twelves
- Count balls beyond the service line.
- Aim for nine deep balls in each rally.
Remember
Three player cues
- Prepare earlier for speed.
- Use height to buy time.
- Recover before the pace changes.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Flattening the high ball too soon
- Backing away from every faster ball
- Changing speed without maintaining depth
Keep the same purpose
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Change pace every three shots and complete rallies of eight.
Make it harder
Remove the fixed sequence so the controlling partner can change speed at any time.
Keep it safe
Keep spare balls behind both baselines and stop the rally if either player is not ready for the planned pace increase.
Continue later