Game version
Rally game: a pair rallies forehands and tries to beat its own longest rally, then swaps feeders.
Forehand Block Return
Return a serve with a short, compact block on your forehand side and send it back deep.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Stand a step behind the baseline.
Core: Medium. Beat your own longest rally.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Racket, balls, court, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Forehand
The steps
How it works
- Stand a step behind the baseline.
- Split step as your partner serves to your forehand.
- Turn your shoulders and block the ball with a short swing.
- Return 20 serves and count the deep ones.
Coaching point
Short backswing, firm finish.
Safety: Use the ball and court for your age: red ball on a short court at 8 and under, orange at 9 to 10, green at 10 to 12.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (soft balls, close), Core (medium), More (cross-court targets). Beat your own longest rally.
Story
You are playing the last rally of a final.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own longest rally. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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