The most useful tennis drills train consistency, footwork, and point patterns: crosscourt rallies, down-the-line changes, approach and volley, serve and plus-one, and live-ball games. Before matches, a short routine of mini tennis, groundstrokes, volleys, overheads and serves primes players without tiring them.
10 essential drills
| Drill | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mini tennis | Touch, warm-up and control |
| Crosscourt rally to 20 | Consistency |
| Crosscourt then down the line | Changing direction on the right ball |
| Two-on-one baseline | Footwork and fitness |
| Approach and volley | Transition to the net |
| Volley-volley | Reflexes and hands |
| Overhead feed | Smash technique |
| Serve to targets | Accuracy |
| Serve plus one | First shot after the serve |
| King of the court | Competitive point play |
Pre-match priming routine (20 minutes)
- 3 min: mini tennis from the service line.
- 5 min: baseline groundstrokes, crosscourt both wings.
- 4 min: volleys and overheads.
- 5 min: serves and returns.
- 3 min: a few practice points to lock in match focus.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a tennis drill last?
Most drills work well for 5 to 10 minutes before switching to keep focus high.
What is the best drill for consistency?
Crosscourt rallies with a target number of shots, such as 20 in a row.
Should players drill hard before a match?
No. Keep it short and sharp so players feel warm and confident, not tired.
