Top 5 Tennis Drills To Evaluate Players

The tryout process entails carefully assessing the abilities of your players, identifying those who show exemplary character and determination, and ultimately, selecting players who are a well-rounded fit for the team.

To achieve these goals, it is important to have your players participate in tennis tryout drills that can showcase their potential and capabilities for the team.

This blog outlines the 5 best tennis drills for evaluating your players, giving you the insight and confidence needed for making team placement decisions.

Top 5 Tennis Drills

1. Rally in the Alley

• Category: Tennis forehand & backhand drill
• Purpose: Developing consistent strokes on the forehand and backhand sides
• Time: 15 to 20 minutes
• Equipment: None needed

Execution:

• Players A and B line up on opposite sides of the net in the tram lines.
• Players then rally with Player A only hitting forehands and Player B only hitting backhands.
• Players count any ball that lands inside the tram lines and then total their score at the end of 5 minutes. After one set is complete, players switch sides.
• Top Tip: The coach should emphasize correct technique, good footwork, and early preparation.

2. Keep the Ball Deep

• Category: Tennis rally drill
• Purpose: To consistently keep the ball deep with good height and placement over the net
• Time: 15 minutes
• Equipment: None 

Execution:

• Players start by marking off a shaded area at the back of the court.
• Player A starts the rally by dropping and hitting the ball to Player B.
• If Player A’s ball lands short of the shaded area, then they lose the point and are replaced by Player C.
• The drill is only completed when one team reaches 21 points. Two or four players can complete the drill. 
• Top Tip: Players should aim for good net clearance and use a variety of spins in their shots.

3. Slice and Dice

• Category: Tennis singles drill
• Purpose: Developing the slice backhand and learning to move your opponent
• Time: 3 to 5 minutes max
• Equipment: Cones, lines, or targets

Execution:

• Player A positions themselves in the backhand corner and then starts by hitting the ball to Player B.
• Player A then continues to rally by hitting the ball to any of the four targets placed by the coach.
• Player A can only use their backhand slice when hitting the targets.
• Player B can use any stroke necessary to keep the ball in play.

4. Serving to Targets

• Category: Tennis serving drill
• Purpose: Developing the variety and accuracy of the player’s serve
• Time: 30 minutes
• Equipment: Targets or Cones

Execution:

• The coach places 6 targets, 3 in each service box.
• Players take turns trying to hit each of the 6 targets with their 1st and 2nd serves.

5. High Ball / Low Ball

• Category: Tennis volley drill
• Purpose: To practice identifying the different heights of balls and then choosing the right volley to play
• Time: 5 to 10 minutes
• Equipment: A full basket of balls

Execution:

• The player positions themselves at the net in their ready position.
• The coach then feeds a full basket of balls, with each ball varying in height and speed.
• If the ball is low, the player plays the shot cross-court.
• If, however, the ball is higher above the net, then the player can play the ball to any area of the court. Continue until the basket is empty.
• Top Tip: Remind players to track the flight of the ball quickly, getting their feet into the ready position using the split step.

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