Tennis · Volley & net play · Footwork
Approach and volley
Attack a short ball, approach, and finish with a volley from a coach feed.
Start / 5
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 1–6
- Age
- U11+
- Area
- Full court
- Equipment
- basket of balls
Setup
- Coach feeds from the far baseline; player starts on their own baseline.
How it runs
- Feed one is short: approach down the line.
- Feed two is a passing shot: split-step and volley it away.
- Eight pairs, then rotate.
Coaching points
- Approach through the ball, don't stop to hit it.
- Split-step as the opponent hits.
- Short punch on the volley, racket head above the wrist.
Common mistakes
- Approaching crosscourt and opening the court.
- Swinging on the volley.
Say it: “Approach, split, punch.”
Make it harder
- Coach hits a live pass.
- Add a lob as the third ball.
Make it easier
- Coach feeds the volley to the forehand only.
- Start from the service line.
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.