Depth zones rally

Setup

1. Cones along both service lines mark the start of the deep zone at each end.
2. Players start on the centre mark of each baseline.

How it runs

1. Rally down the middle of the court, forehands and backhands.
2. Each ball landing in the deep zone scores 1 for the pair.
3. A ball landing short of the service line costs the pair 2 points; out or in the net ends the rally.
4. Play 3-minute rounds and try to beat the pair score each round.

Coaching points

• Aim 1–2 metres over the net; height gives depth.
• Use topspin so the higher ball still drops in.
• Hit through the ball with a full finish, not a short poke.
• Recover behind the centre mark after each shot.

Common mistakes

• Hitting flat and low, so the ball lands short or hits the tape.
• Decelerating the swing to play safe, which lands the ball short.
• Standing on the baseline and getting jammed by deep balls.