Players stand opposite one another in the service boxes and play the point out.
However, this time, the ball must be hit down into the court so that it bounces on the player's own side before it goes over the net (like in table tennis). The ball cannot therefore bounce before the opposing player makes contact with it themselves.
Points can be played up to 21 in this way.
This will feel strange to most players as it is the opposite of how tennis is played. However players should soon get the hang of it and good points can be constructed from playing in this way.
It encourages players to get to the ball as early as they possibly can, as it is obviously easier to hit it down if they reach the ball early.
Players will find it harder to do this on the backhand side due to wrist and arm strength so they can move around to hit more off the forehand wing if they wish.
From sensor-equipped rackets to AI-powered coaching, technology is making tennis training more precise than ever. Here's what actually works.
On-court coaching is now fully legal. Here's how to deliver advice that actually helps during those crucial 90-second changeovers.
On-court coaching is now fully legal, technology continues to advance, and the ATP calendar evolves. Here's what tennis coaches need to know for 2026.