Approach-Volley-Overhead Sequence
Net Game
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- cones
- ball
How it works
Develop the three-shot net approach sequence, approach shot, first volley, and overhead, as a connected pattern.
What you need
- tennis racket
- tennis balls
- court
- ball hopper
- cones
Your focus
Net play is rarely a single shot; teaching the three-shot sequence builds the tactical understanding that effective net game requires multiple connected decisions. Practicing transitions between shot types (approach to volley to overhead) develops the footwork adjustments each shot requires. This sequence is one of the most common tactical patterns in singles and doubles match play.
Coach feeds a short ball to mid-court; player moves forward and hits an approach shot down the line.
Player closes to net (split step at the service line); coach feeds a passing-shot attempt at the player who volleys to the open court.
Coach immediately lobs over the player; player back-pedals and hits an overhead to a target cone in the opponent's court.
Run 10 full sequences; count sequences where all three shots land in the target zones.
Goal
Success is completing the full three-shot sequence, approach, first volley, overhead, without stopping between shots. The pattern flows.
Helpful cues
- Close after every shot, don't stop at the service line
- Split before each ball
- Overhead: point at the ball with your non-racket hand
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Run each shot type separately before combining into the full sequence.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Coach can choose to lob or feed a low volley after the first volley, requiring the player to read and react.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.