Doubles points from the third shot

Setup

1. Two pairs on one court. The receiving pair (B) sets up as normal: returner at the baseline with the balls, partner at the kitchen line.
2. The serving pair (A) stands behind the baseline, one on each half.

How it runs

1. Skip the serve: B1 hits a deep, return-style feed to either A player, then moves up to the kitchen line.
2. Play the two-bounce rule as in a real point: the feed counts as the return, so A must let it bounce before playing the third shot. After that either pair may volley, so B can volley a drive or a drop that sits up.
3. A plays a drop, or a drive followed by a fifth-shot drop if the drive doesn't win the point outright.
4. Play the point out. Practice scoring: the winner of each rally gets a point, first to 11, then the pairs swap roles.
5. With 6 or 8 players, the losing pair steps off and the next pair comes on to receive.

Coaching points

• Drop when both opponents are set at the line; drive when the return is short or the returner is still moving in.
• After a drive, expect a block back towards your feet and be ready to drop the next ball.
• Move up behind a good drop together, split-stepping each time an opponent hits.
• Receiving pair: volley a drive or a high drop when you can, let a good low drop bounce, and keep the ball low to stop A getting forward.

Common mistakes

• Driving every third shot, even with both opponents waiting at the line.
• Moving up behind a drop that floated high.
• The serving pair stepping in to volley the feed: it counts as the return, so it must bounce first.