Your serve and return are two of the most crucial shots in tennis. A powerful, precise serve can put your opponent on the defensive from the start, while a strong return can quickly shift momentum in your favor. Mastering these skills takes practice, but with the right drills, you can boost your consistency and gain a real advantage. The following three actionable drills are designed to help you polish your tennis serve and return skills.
Drills to Polish Your Tennis Serve & Return Skills
The Target Serve Drill for Pinpoint Accuracy
Serving accurately allows you to control the pace and positioning of a match. This drill sharpens your aim and helps you hit specific spots on the service box, making it harder for your opponent to anticipate and return effectively.
How to do it:
- Divide the service box into four quadrants using cones or chalk marks. Focus on one quadrant at a time.
- Stand behind the baseline and aim for a specific target. Start with a flat serve, then mix in slice and kick serves.
- Perform 10 serves per target area, focusing on consistent toss height and smooth follow-through.
- Track how many serves land accurately. Aim to improve each session.
The Deep Return Drill for Control and Power
Returning deep to the baseline puts your opponent on the defensive, giving you more control over a rally. This drill focuses on timing, footwork, and generating power without losing your accuracy.
How to do it:
- Have a partner or coach serve to you. If you’re training solo, use a ball machine.
- Aim to return each serve deep into the baseline corners, alternating sides.
- Focus on a short backswing and early preparation to handle fast serves.
- Perform 15-20 returns per side, emphasizing smooth weight transfer and follow-through.
The Serve-and-Charge Drill for Offensive Advantage
Serving and rushing the net can catch your opponent off guard, turning your serve into an immediate offensive weapon. The following drill improves your ability to transition quickly from the baseline to the net.
How to do it:
- Start by serving wide from the deuce side, aiming to pull your opponent off the court.
- Immediately move forward, preparing for a volley. Focus on keeping your racket up and knees bent.
- Practice placing the volley deep and away from your opponent’s reach.
- Perform 10 serve-and-charge sequences per side, alternating between deuce and ad courts.
Elevate Your Tennis Game With Us This Summer!
Adding these drills into your practice routine will help you serve with better precision and return with confidence. We work with tennis players on their serving and return skills at our adidas Tennis Camps each summer. You should join us in 2025! Find a location near you and sign up today!
