Mini Tennis: Approach Shot, Split Step and Volley

Students practice the approach shot, split step and volley sequence to finish the point at the net. They learn to move forward after a short ball and to close the angle with the volley.

How to play

1. Volley technique: continental grip, a short punching stroke with no swing and a split step just before the opponent hits (4 min).
2. Volleys in pairs: one at the net and the other in the service box tossing gently; 10 forehand and 10 backhand volleys (5 min).
3. Line drill: the feeder sends a short ball, the student hits a down-the-line approach, moves in, split-steps at the cone line and volleys the second ball (8 min).
4. “Come in or lose” points: the point starts with a short ball and the receiver must come in; the defender tries a passing shot or a lob (6 min).
5. Review of typical errors: running through without stopping, swinging on the volley or getting stuck in no man's land (2 min).

Rules

• During guided phases, hitting hard at the partner at the net is not allowed.
• The line waits 10 feet behind the baseline.
• Lobs are allowed only during the points phase.
• The net player protects the face with the racket if the ball comes at the body.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: starts on the cone line and works only on the volley.
• Partial visual impairment: slower feeds and a highly visible ball.
• Anxiety: may play the points against the teacher or a trusted classmate.

Learning goals

• Link the approach shot, split step and volley.
• Decide when to come to the net after a short ball.
• Close the angle with the volley to win the point.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis rackets: 28
• low-compression balls: 60
• mini tennis nets: 6
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

Place the cone line one step in front of the service line: that is where the split step happens. In mini tennis the volley pays off because the court is short.

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