Tennis: Serve and Return Technique
A tennis lesson focused on the serve and return, the shots that start every point: underhand and overhand serves, ready position and split step. Students develop hand-eye coordination, stroke technique and point play.
How to play
- Set up groups of 4 per half court and warm up with easy rallies from the service line (4 min).
- Underhand serve from the baseline, crosscourt into the opposite service box; 10 serves each (4 min).
- Overhand serve: toss the ball in front of the racket-side shoulder to the height of the extended arm and hit at the top; first from the service line, then from the baseline (7 min).
- Return: knees bent, a small split step just as the server hits, shoulder turn and a short, compact swing (5 min).
- Serve and return in pairs: 5 serves each, then switch roles; the returner scores a point for every return that lands in (5 min).
- Mini-games to 7 points, starting each point with a serve; switch opponents when finished (5 min).
Rules
- Stay at least 10 feet away from anyone who is swinging.
- Nobody crosses a court or picks up balls until play has stopped.
- Loose balls go back in the basket so nobody steps on them.
- Serve only when the returner is ready.
Variations
Easier
Serve underhand from midcourt and return after allowing two bounces.
Standard
Serve overhand from the baseline and return after one bounce.
Harder
Serve to the corners of the service box marked with cones and return to a target zone.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: wheelchair tennis with two bounces allowed, or seated serving closer to the net.
- Visual impairment: use a larger, brightly colored low-compression ball and call out before hitting.
- Fitness level: use low-compression balls or a shorter racket for students with less control.
Learning goals
- Perform underhand and overhand serves with correct basic technique.
- Use an effective return position with a split step.
- Apply the serve and return in real point play.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tennis rackets: 25
- tennis balls: 50
- nets: 3
Teacher tip
The typical error is tossing the ball too high or behind the head; have students practice the toss without hitting until it lands in front. Keep a ball basket on each court so you don't lose time collecting.
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