Return of serve targets

Setup

1. Mark a deep band across the serving side, from the baseline to about two big steps inside it.
2. One server behind the baseline, one receiver in the diagonal service court, standing a step or so behind the baseline.

How it runs

1. The server serves a legal underhand serve; the receiver lets it bounce, as the two-bounce rule requires, and returns it.
2. Score 1 for a return that lands in court and 2 for a return in the deep band. A return into the net or out scores nothing.
3. After every return, the receiver moves forward and finishes at the kitchen line in a ready position.
4. Ten returns each, then swap. Next round, aim the returns deep to the server's backhand side.

Coaching points

• Start well back, so the serve is played moving forward rather than backing up.
• A long, smooth swing with a high arc gives depth and the time to move in.
• Depth first, pace second: a deep return keeps the serving team back.
• Keep moving up after contact, then split-step as the server hits the third shot.

Common mistakes

• Hitting a hard, flat return that lands short or in the net.
• Admiring the return and staying at the baseline.
• Standing too far in and getting jammed by a deep serve.