Game version
Court-smarts game: a partner feeds balls to different spots, and you call “short” or “deep” before they land. The pair counts right calls.
Return Plus One
Plan your return target and your next shot before the serve is hit.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Before each serve, say your return target out loud.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Racket, balls, court, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Game IQ
The steps
How it works
- Before each serve, say your return target out loud.
- Return there, then hit your planned next shot.
- Play 12 points this way.
- Note which plan worked most.
Coaching point
Plan two shots on the return.
Safety: Drink water at every break and rest in the shade on hot days.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one call), Core (two), More (call the spot too). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are a detective reading where the ball will go.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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