Game version
Target-box serving: two teams of two take turns serving into target boxes. Each team counts only its own boxes hit.
Serve Toss Control
A good serve starts with a good toss.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Hold the ball in your fingertips, not your palm.
Core: Medium. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Racket, tennis ball
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Serve
The steps
How it works
- Hold the ball in your fingertips, not your palm.
- Lift your arm smoothly and release at eye height.
- Let the toss drop on your racket face without swinging.
- Do 20 tosses and aim for the same spot every time.
Coaching point
Same toss, every time.
Safety: Toss only a little above your reach and keep your eyes safe from the falling ball.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a box: Less (big), Core (medium), More (small). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are opening the match with a serve that lands exactly on the line.
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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