Mini Tennis: Hit Deep and Close the Net
Mini tennis on a small court to learn how to attack the net: a deep shot from the back, then move in to volley. It covers when to come forward and where to stop before the opponent's shot.
How to play
- Mini tennis courts with a low net; baseline rally with forehands and backhands to warm up (5 min).
- Partner drill: the feeder tosses short, the player hits deep, moves in and volleys the next ball (7 min).
- Set a depth line with cones; you may only move in after a shot that bounces behind it (6 min).
- Singles games to ten: a point won by a volley after an approach counts double (10 min).
- Each player describes one good approach and one late one (2 min).
Rules
- Split step when the opponent is about to hit, even if you haven't reached the net.
- Don't blast the ball at someone within three meters of the net: aim for space.
- Clear loose balls before each point.
Variations
Easier
Move in after any shot, and the opponent rallies softly.
Standard
Approach after a deep shot, with double points for volley winners.
Harder
Move in only after a deep backhand.
Adaptations
- Students with low vision: orange low-compression balls and a shorter court.
- Wheelchair users: wheelchair tennis allows two bounces; approach the net with two pushes.
- Beginners: stay on the fed drill without games until they feel confident.
Learning goals
- Recognize the ball that lets you attack the net.
- Volley with the racket ready after moving.
- Decide when to come forward and when to stay back.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tennis rackets: 16
- low-compression tennis balls: 24
- portable nets: 4
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Low-compression (transition) balls bounce lower and buy time; if you don't have any, puncture old ones. The common mistake is charging in without stopping and getting passed: keep cueing the split step.
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