Rally and Approach Pattern
Point Construction
Legend
- player
- cones
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Build a rally pattern to create a short ball, then approach the net and close.
What you need
- tennis balls
- cones
Your focus
The rally-and-approach pattern teaches players to wait for the right ball rather than forcing an approach on a deep, difficult shot. Identifying the "short ball" opportunity is a key tactical skill.
Rally from the baseline with parent feeding consistent balls.
After the 4th ball, look to approach, hit a deep approach shot.
Sprint to the net. Parent feeds a finishing volley.
Complete the point. Walk back. Rest 20 seconds.
10 reps. Track how many volleys are won after approaching.
Goal
You've got it when you win the volley point after the approach on 7 of 10 reps.
Helpful cues
- Rally patiently, don't approach until the ball lands short
- Approach down the line or down the middle, crosscourt approaches are low-percentage
- After the approach, split step at the service line before closing to the net
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Parent feeds a predictable short ball at the same spot every rep.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Parent varies the depth of the short ball, player must decide whether to approach or continue rallying.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.