Serve and volley patterns

Setup

1. Server and returner on a singles court.
2. Cones at the wide and T targets in each service box.

How it runs

1. The server calls the pattern to themselves: wide serve then volley into the open court, or T serve then volley behind the returner.
2. The server serves and volleys on every point, first and second serves.
3. The returner plays live; normal serve rules apply.
4. Ten points from the deuce side, ten from the ad side, then swap.

Coaching points

• Serve with a slightly more forward toss so the first step goes into the court.
• Run through the serve and split-step as the returner makes contact, around the service line.
• First volley deep, not for a winner; then close tight to the net for the second volley.
• Follow the line of the ball: move to the side the first volley went.
• Serve to the body or T to reduce the returner's angles; serve wide only with a plan for the open court.

Common mistakes

• Stopping to admire the serve, then volleying from no man's land.
• No split-step, so the volley is played off-balance.
• Trying to win the point with the first volley from below the net.