Game version
Court follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement around the court and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Approach, Split, Close
Move forward after an approach shot, split step at the service line, then close in to volley.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Hit an approach from a short feed.
Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Racket, balls, court, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Net Play
The steps
How it works
- Hit an approach from a short feed.
- Run forward and split step as your partner hits.
- Take one more step in and volley.
- Do 12 patterns.
Coaching point
Run, split, close.
Safety: Keep your racket up in front of your face at the net, and only take feeds from a partner who feeds gently.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are an explorer crossing the court like a jungle.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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