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.
Short Ball, Come In
Learn to spot a short ball, approach on it and move to the net.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Rally from the baseline with your partner.
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
- Rally from the baseline with your partner.
- When a ball lands inside the service line, approach and come in.
- Play the point out at the net.
- Play 3 games to 7.
Coaching point
Short ball means move in.
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 (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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