Tennis drills,
by what to work on.
Step-by-step practice from beginner to elite. Pick a skill, a level, and a duration — we'll show you the drill, the success criteria, and how to know when you've passed.
Serve
Master the foundation of a reliable serve by perfecting your ball toss placement and height.
Open drill → Serve · BeginnerDevelop directional control by hitting serves to specific areas of the service box.
Open drill → Serve · BeginnerEstablish a consistent serving motion through repetitive practice without targets.
Open drill → Serve · IntermediateLearn to hit a reliable second serve with topspin that kicks up off the bounce.
Open drill → Serve · IntermediatePractice serving to different locations in a game-like sequence.
Open drill → Serve · AdvancedCombine your serve with the first groundstroke to create offensive patterns.
Open drill → Serve · AdvancedPractice serving under simulated pressure situations to build mental toughness.
Open drill → Serve · CompetitiveSystematically build first serve speed while maintaining accuracy.
Open drill → Serve · CompetitivePractice hitting serves to the corners with pace to develop ace-hitting ability.
Open drill → Serve · TournamentDevelop pinpoint accuracy with your kick serve to specific locations.
Open drill → Serve · TournamentSimulate serving at crucial match moments to build clutch performance.
Open drill → Serve · EliteMaintain serve quality when physically exhausted, simulating late-match situations.
Open drill → Serve · EliteLearn to hit different serve types with identical tosses and motions.
Open drill →Return
Learn to neutralize pace with a compact blocking motion.
Open drill → Return · BeginnerFind the optimal position for returning serves based on server location.
Open drill → Return · IntermediateAttack weak second serves by chipping and approaching the net.
Open drill → Return · IntermediatePractice directing returns to specific areas of the court.
Open drill → Return · AdvancedStep inside the baseline to take returns early and pressure the server.
Open drill → Return · AdvancedImprove reaction time by returning two balls in quick succession.
Open drill → Return · CompetitivePractice going for outright return winners on weak second serves.
Open drill → Return · CompetitiveLearn to handle big serves and stay in the point.
Open drill → Return · TournamentDevelop tactics for returning against players with dominant serves.
Open drill → Return · TournamentPractice executing a specific return game plan for an entire game.
Open drill →Baseline
Build basic consistency by keeping 10 balls in play in a row.
Open drill → Baseline · BeginnerExtend your rally consistency to 20 consecutive balls.
Open drill → Baseline · BeginnerPractice solo against a wall to develop timing and control.
Open drill → Baseline · IntermediateMaster the crosscourt rally pattern, the safest shot in tennis.
Open drill → Baseline · IntermediateDevelop court coverage by alternating crosscourt and down-the-line.
Open drill → Baseline · IntermediateBuild advanced rally consistency with 50 ball target.
Open drill → Baseline · AdvancedDevelop accuracy on the riskier down-the-line shot.
Open drill → Baseline · AdvancedLearn to recognize and attack short balls effectively.
Open drill → Baseline · CompetitiveMaster the inside-out forehand to dominate rallies from your forehand.
Open drill → Baseline · CompetitiveLearn to use depth to set up angle winners.
Open drill → Baseline · TournamentDevelop RPM on your groundstrokes for higher margin and bigger bounce.
Open drill → Baseline · TournamentPractice turning defense into attack during rallies.
Open drill → Baseline · EliteMaster the defensive lob and recovery when pulled out of position.
Open drill → Baseline · EliteThe ultimate consistency challenge - 100 balls in a row.
Open drill →Net
Build basic volley timing and control against a wall.
Open drill → Net · BeginnerEstablish proper net ready position and grip.
Open drill → Net · IntermediateMaster the split step timing for effective net play.
Open drill → Net · IntermediatePractice hitting volleys deep to maintain pressure.
Open drill → Net · AdvancedConnect approach shots with first volleys in one fluid motion.
Open drill → Net · AdvancedHandle difficult low volleys below the net.
Open drill → Net · CompetitiveDevelop lightning-fast reactions at the net.
Open drill → Net · CompetitiveLearn to read and intercept in doubles situations.
Open drill → Net · TournamentBuild reliable overhead technique under various conditions.
Open drill → Net · TournamentPractice finishing points decisively from the net position.
Open drill → Net · EliteHandle the difficult half-volley transition shot.
Open drill → Net · EliteExecute serve-and-volley tactics in pressure situations.
Open drill →Movement
Build lateral movement along the baseline.
Open drill → Movement · BeginnerLearn to recover to center after each shot.
Open drill → Movement · IntermediateDevelop efficient recovery patterns after wide shots.
Open drill → Movement · IntermediatePractice transitioning between baseline and net positions.
Open drill → Movement · AdvancedMaster the controlled slide for clay court movement.
Open drill → Movement · AdvancedBuild explosive movement and sudden deceleration.
Open drill → Movement · CompetitiveDevelop quick direction changes during rallies.
Open drill → Movement · CompetitiveBuild full-court speed from corner to corner.
Open drill → Movement · TournamentSimulate full match movement patterns under fatigue.
Open drill → Movement · TournamentDevelop explosive first step reaction to all shot types.
Open drill → Movement · EliteRetrieve seemingly impossible shots through superior movement.
Open drill → Movement · EliteMaintain movement quality when completely exhausted.
Open drill →Mental
Learn to visualize successful points before playing them.
Open drill → Mental · BeginnerEstablish a consistent routine before each point.
Open drill → Mental · IntermediateDevelop a routine to reset mentally between points.
Open drill → Mental · IntermediateUse tactical breathing to control nerves and focus.
Open drill → Mental · AdvancedPractice playing points under simulated pressure.
Open drill → Mental · AdvancedLearn to recognize and replace negative self-talk.
Open drill → Mental · CompetitiveDevelop ability to recognize and exploit opponent patterns.
Open drill → Mental · CompetitivePractice fighting back when down in the score.
Open drill → Mental · TournamentDevelop the habit of post-match analysis journaling.
Open drill → Mental · TournamentLearn to ride and shift momentum during matches.
Open drill → Mental · ElitePractice entering and maintaining the 'zone' or flow state.
Open drill → Mental · EliteDevelop bulletproof responses to in-match adversity.
Open drill →Every drill is calibrated to NTRP — the official skill-rating scale used at USTA tournaments and leagues — so you can pick the right level without guessing. Beginner drills focus on consistency and rhythm. Advanced and competitive drills layer in patterns, tactics, and pressure simulation. Elite drills are how the best players keep sharpening when there's nothing left to fix.
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