Contact Help center
Tennis Tennis
HOME Tennis SEARCH

Tennis: moving forward

moving forward DRILLS
View All

Chip and Charge

Player 1 only has one serve. Player 2 returns and follows it into the net to volley or smash. The server should not be allowed to lob the first shot. Player 2 should aim for either a deep return or cross court. Play out the points and first to seven points is the winner.

Serve and Return

Deuce Pressure Return Progression

Coach serves wide from the deuce side, and the player hits a forehand cross-court return, aiming for the ball to bounce in the coned area. The coach then hits a ball again from the deuce side, and the player must come forward and hit a forehand cross-court volley into the coned area.

Forehand Drills

Drive and Drop

The player stands on the service line, while the coach feeds a higher ball to the ad side. The player hits backhand drive in the air down the line and moves closer to the net. The coach feeds another ball to the ad side, and the player finishes with backhand drop volley down the line. Backhand drive in the air is an offensive shot so most of the time it should be connected with moving forward and trying to win the point at the net. Ability to pick proper balls to atack with drive in the air is a skill that has to be practiced from the early years.

Backhand Drills

First volley and live!

The coach feeds the ball from the basket to player 1 who is moving forwards to play a 1st volley. As the coach makes contact with the ball player 1 must split step and aim to meet and hit the 1st volley on or inside the service line. They must play this ball deep down the line, whether it is a forehand or backhand volley and once this ball has been made, the point is live. Player 2 moves to whichever side the ball has been hit to and attempts to pass player 1 down the line. The point is played out in this way, first to 11 points before the players switch ends.

Volley Drills

Groundstrokes Moving Forward

Coach stands in front of the player and alternates tosses to forehand and backhand side. Player hits the ball and moves forward, while the coach moves backwards and repeats.Coach stands in front of the player and alternates tosses to forehand and backhand side. Player hits the ball and moves forward, while the coach moves backwards and repeats.

Forehand & Backhand Drill

In And Out With The Wall

Player stands facing the wall and hits forehand volleys against the wall. After each hit, the player moves forward and closer to the wall. Once at the wall, the player continues to hit the ball against the wall but now moves back to their starting position. The aim is for the ball to not touch the floor.

Agility & Fitness

Jump Rope Alternate

Player jumps with the jump rope while moving forward and backward. Player alternates legs while jumping.

Agility & Fitness

Jump Rope alternative warm up

Jump rope alternate move: Player alternates jumping foot as he/she hops the rope while moving forward from the base line to the net. The player the skips backwards from the net to the baseline, alternating the jumping foot. This drill is a good tool to warm-up lower and upper body and to work on coordination skills required to control shots in tennis.

Agility & Fitness

Overhead Volley

The coach feeds 20 balls from the basket alternating between an overhead and a put-away volley. The players aim the overheads at the deeper targets and the volleys at the shorter targets, hitting cross-court and closing the net down as they do so. The coach can feed forehand volley then backhand volley alternately after the smash but they should also vary this and change the pattern - so maybe they will get another forehand volley instead of the backhand that they were expecting. Once the player has completed the 20 ball set they go around the far end of the court to pick the balls up, and the next player has their turn. Up to 5 sets of 20 can be repeated in this way.

Volley Drills

Volley and charge at the net

Coach feeds the balls to the same side of the court. The player has to hit three balls to complete a full run through of the drill. The player hits each ball to a specific zone marked out with two cones. After the shot the player has to move toward the net. The third shot should be played close to the net. After the third shot the player moves back to their starting position on the court.

Volley Drills

Groundstrokes Moving Forward F...

Coach stands in front of the player and alternates tosses to forehand and backhand side. Player hits the ball and moves forward, while the coach moves backwards and repeats.Coach stands in front of the player and alternates tosses to forehand and backhand side. Player hits the ball and moves forward, while the coach moves backwards and repeats.

General

Move Forward & Back Movement -...

Player stands on the baselineCoach stands in front of the playerCoach alternates feeding short and deep balls to the backhand sidePlayer hits backhand slice alternating loading front and back leg before the hit

General

Move forward and recover Smash...

The player stands inside the service line between 2 cones, and the coach throws the high ball close to the net. The player moves forward, hits overhead and recovers to the cones.

General

Drop and lob Lob - Tennis Dril...

The coach feeds the ball to the backhand side, and the player hits backhand drop shot down the line and moves forward. The coach comes then to the net and feeds the ball to the backhand side. The player finishes with backhand volley lob cross-court.

General

Tennis: First Volley Down The ...

Approcher moves forward and plays backhand volley down the line whole passer trys to pass cross court. Volleyer must cover the cross court area.

General

All The Way Rally Drills - Ten...

The coach stands on the service line and rallies with the player, who is stood on the baseline. Everytime the player returns the ball, they move forward. Once at the net, they move backwards after every shot. The player executes groundstrokes behind the service line, and volleys inside the service line.

General

Non-Dominant Warm Up Rally Dri...

Players rally up and down the middle of the court while standing on the service line using their non-dominant hand, looking for as much control as they can get.

General

Deep and short Forehand Drills...

Cones are set on the deuce side (deep and short). The player stands on the service line and the coach feeds high ball to the forehand side. The player executes forehand drive in the air deep cross-court and moves forward, before the coach feeds another ball to the backhand side.The player finishes with backhand drop-volley down the line.

General

Live Ball Pressure Volley Dril...

Coach feeds easy ball to the backhand side. Player hits backhand cross court (approach shot) and moves forward. Coach hits the ball back to make player respond with backhand cross court volley. Coach hits again and player has to finish with forehand cross court volley.

General

Directional approach Forehand ...

The coach feeds shorter ball to the deuce side. The player moves forward, hits forehand approach shot down the line and comes to the net. The coach hits the ball back to the deuce side and then the player finishes with deep forehand volley cross-court.

General

Attack & Position Volley Drill...

Coach feeds easy ball around the service line.Player attacks using forehand and moves forward to the net.Player should stay on the same side where he hit the last ball too.

General

Volley and charge at the net V...

Coach feeds the balls to the same side of the court. The player has to hit three balls to complete a full run through of the drill. The player hits each ball to a specific zone marked out with two cones. After the shot the player has to move toward the net. The third shot should be played close to the net. After the third shot the player moves back to their starting position on the court.

General

Forehand Deep / Short Forehand...

Dead Ball Drill<br />Players start off in backhand corner (doubles Alley)<br />Players move out to play first forehand along the baseline and then moves forward to play a short ball inside the service box for a winner down the line

General

In And Out With The Wall Foreh...

Player stands facing the wall and hits forehand volleys against the wall. After each hit, the player moves forward and closer to the wall. Once at the wall, the player continues to hit the ball against the wall but now moves back to their starting position. The aim is for the ball to not touch the floor.

General

Get comfortable with rallying ...

Players stand on the service line. Both players are only allowed to play their designated shot. Player 1 hits a topspin shots; Player 2 returns the ball by hitting half-volleys.

General

Attacking forehand off center ...

Coach feeds an easy ball down the middle of the court. Player moves forward and hits an agressive forehand to the deuce side. Player then moves forward to take up a proper position at the net.

General

Aggressive Forehand Forehand D...

Coach stands on the player's side of the court and feeds the ball with the racquet off the ground. Player moves forward and hits an aggressive forehand.

General

Control direction Volley Drill...

Moving along the net the coach throws the ball over the net to the player. Standing in the centre of the net the player has to hit a half-volley back to coach so he/she can catch it

General

Tennis: First volley down the ...

Approacher moves forward plays forhand volley down the line while passer tries to pass cross-court; volleyer must cover the cross-court area and volley the ball into the open court.

General

Hit and move: Running drives R...

Players are working in threes with player 1 in a full-court and players 2 and 3 in the forehand and backhand corners respectively.Player 1 is hitting running drives, 1 forehand cross followed by 1 backhand cross.Player 2 is hitting a forehand line, and player 3 a backhand line.The pattern is played in this way for up to 3 minutes depending on the level of fitness of player 1.

General

Balance with coordination Agil...

Player jumps on jump rope using only left leg.Player performs 2 jumps on each side of the line.Player moves forward and at one point starts to moving back.

General

Catch and hit Smash Drills - T...

The player stand at the net, with cones set up in the deuce corner. The coach feeds a lob - the player moves to the ball, catches the ball in the hand, throws the ball up and hits overhead deep to the deuce corner.

General

Forehand 3 Zones Rally Forehan...

One player stands in the deuce corner and rallies with their partner. The player in the deuce corner hits three consecutive forehands to the different zones (cross court, centre and down the line). The player at this end meanwhile, hits all of the balls to the deuce corner.

General

Teach the half-volley stroke V...

Before the player begins this drill the coach should demonstrate the correct way to play the stroke while explaining the important details about the shot. Firstly the players should practise the motion of the forehand and then backhand stroke. Secondly the coach should gently throw balls to the player, who has to perform a half volley using their hand.

General

Tennis: Backhand Down The Line...

The player starts on the baseline and is fed 3 balls all to the advantage side. The balls should be fed deep, medium and then short. The player hits all of the balls backhand down the line and moves forward ready for the next ball.

General

Cross the line with right leg ...

Player stands next to the singles line. Coach feeds ball behind the doubles alley. Player moves to the ball, crosses doubles line with right leg and hits forehand in open stance. Player recovers back and repeats this pattern again while moving forward after each shot.

General

Pocket Serve Serve and Return ...

Player executes regular serve.Player focuses on bringing the tossing arm to the opposite pocket as well as on moving the hitting arm to the left side of the body.<br>

General

Slice and cut it down the line...

Player A executes wide slice serve from the deuce side. Player B hits forehand cross court return. Player A moves diagonally forward and finishes with offensive down the line shot.Drill specifications:1 repetition per setTo make this drill really dynamic players should switch after one point at the serving side. Returning players can switch after few points to guarantee good consistency and more opportunities for the servers to work on the pattern. Waiting players should perform some footwork activities including quick diagonal movement to gain bigger improvements while moving to the ball after the serve.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
moving forward SESSIONS
View All

Feeling Comfortable At The Front Of The Court

To improve skills that are necessary to take advantage of short balls and win points at the net.

Responding to Drop-shots and Short Angles under pressure

Have your players mastered the dark art of the Drop-Shot and do they know how to spot a disguised Drop-Shot themselves? Find out in this tennis coach plan

Develop volleying success and netplay

Develop your players all round volleying skills so they can successfully hit the stroke from all positions on the court while getting them into the habit of moving forward after the shot.
moving forward ANSWERS
View All

Hi Guys, How best to teach a return of serve

Hi Guys, Just wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to teach a block return from serve and a slice return from serve to 13y.o juniors who are playing against big servers Cheers

Ciaran Cahill Coach, Ireland

Tips on serve and volley.

How to stay balanced for first volley

Dilip Coach, India

Cancel subscription

HI Can you please cancel my subscription moving forward for Karen Ellismany thanks

Karen Ellis Coach, New Zealand

Psychology in tennis HELP! My ...

Psychology in tennis HELP!!! I have a daughter who is an excellent player who only started playing tennis seriously last yr at the age of 13. She is a much better player than all the people she has completed against in matches but always loses due to over hitting and getting upset if the wrong call is made (which happens frequently due to how fast she hits and serves) do we need some sort of psychological help for this. what is the best way to get this... books, councilling ??? any help would be most appreciated thanks

Archived User Coach

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1200+ tennis drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.

October 30th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Introducing the Sportplan FootballBot. Your new coaching partner that has all the answers to the questions you may have...

June 12th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Tennis POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
warm upforehand drillsserveforehandconsistencyfootworkdoubles drillsvolleybackhandslicebackhand drillsdrop shotbeginnerservingdoubleslesson planskidsgamesmini tennis

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Sportplan has been very helpful in guiding me through my first year as a High School Coach.

Bill O'Neill Newly qualified coach, America

Your tennis drills are extremely useful coaching tools.

Nail Tennis coach, Bangalore

Thanks for everything! Sportplan has helped me to improve my tennis lessons, making them more interesting and fun.

Andrea Tennis coach, England

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1200+ tennis drills
  • create professional tennis coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested tennis plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Tennis POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
approach backhand backhand drills badminton beginner donkey doubles doubles drills drills drop shot football footwork forehand forehand drills games kids lesson plans lob mini mini tennis search serve serving short slice smash tennis volley volley drills warm up
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of tennis coaches plus 1200+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT