How do I track improvement?

Keep a simple log: sets completed, conversion rate of putaways, and perceived recovery speed. Video a few reps every week to spot technical changes. Consistent numbers and cleaner footwork are good indicators of progress.

How many repetitions are optimal per session?

Work towards completing 4 sets of 8 to 12 clean reps individually for every side. Precision of movement is more advantageous than the number of repetitions — if your form starts to break down, discontinue the set.

Pickleball or Tennis: A Coach’s Perspective

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 2 comments

I recently returned to Southern California after 14 years in Europe, and what I witnessed took me completely by surprise: the massive rise of pickleball as a social phenomenon.

Having coached tennis for over 20 years, my first instinct was to reconnect with old friends for a hit.

When I arrived at my favorite local courts, I saw a crowd gathered on the grass with lawn chairs, clearly waiting for something.

As I got closer, I realized the tennis courts were actually empty. The action was happening on “miniature” courts nearby. On each one, four players were engaged in fast-paced doubles. They used solid paddles and a ball that made a distinct popping sound, traveling slower through the air but requiring fast reactions.

The Appeal of the “Smaller” Game

I’ve heard of pickleball, but seeing its popularity in person was eye-opening. Players told me they loved it because it was accessible. For some, tennis had become too physically demanding due to injuries; for others, the steep learning curve of tennis was a barrier.

To me, it looked like “standing table tennis.” The movement is minimal, often just 2 or 3 steps, but the focus on hand-eye coordination is intense. It offers immediate gratification without the years of technical training tennis requires.

Can Tennis Compete?

As a coach, I see the writing on the wall. Tennis will continue to lose players to these “easier” racquet sports because modern society craves fast results and has a shorter attention span.

However, I believe tennis can thrive if it embraces evolution. To stay competitive, we must consider:

Implementing “no-ad” scoring.
One serve per point and “no-let” rules to keep the momentum.
Reduced match length.

While tennis is rooted in deep tradition, it must adapt to a world that is moving faster. We don’t have to lose the soul of the game to make it more accessible.

What do you think? Should tennis modernize its rules to keep up with the changing times, or should it remain a “purist” sport?

Let me know in the comments.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Stop Playing Only at the Baseline: 3 All Court Tennis Drills

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Training | 0 comments

All Court Tennis Drills for a Complete Game

If you feel comfortable rallying from the baseline but freeze the moment you have to move forward, you are not alone. A lot of players train one zone and build confidence there, then struggle to connect the dots: baseline groundstrokes to approach shots, approach shots to net play, and finally volleys and overheads.

The fix is not “more baseline.” The fix is structure. Below are 3 all-court tennis drills designed to train the full pathway of play, so you become more complete, more comfortable, and more effective from end to end.

These all court tennis drills are a great fit for intermediate and advanced players, including doubles players who need to handle transitions to the net quickly and cleanly.

Why players get stuck at the baseline

Baseline comfort usually comes from reps. You know where the ball comes, you know where you stand, and you know how to swing. But “moving forward” changes the whole equation:

Timing is shorter because the ball travels less distance.
Contact height changes, especially on volleys versus groundstrokes.
Footwork must be precise because you need to arrive “set” at the net, not chase the ball.
Shots feel different under pressure, even if your strokes are technically sound.

So instead of practicing random net hits, practice a connected sequence. The goal of the all court tennis drills below is simple: get you fluent across the court.

Make these all court tennis drills a real practice session

Intensity tip

Work in short, repeatable rounds. Your goal is crisp repetition of the transition pattern. If you start rushing or losing balance, slow down and clean up the footwork and contact.

Use a ball machine to rehearse the whole sequence

If you want more consistent reps without relying on another person to hit the exact same timing, a ball machine can be a game-changer. In this style of all court tennis drills, consistency matters because the transition depends on rhythm.

Pongbot ball machines use AI technology and can be customized, including speed, spin, and depth. You can create your own drills or apply drills that match what you are working on. If you have access to one, you can download ready-made drill sessions from the app and run them on your court.

forehand tennis volley webtennis24

FAQ

Are these all court tennis drills good for doubles?

Yes. Doubles players benefit a lot from practicing the transition to the net and volleying with control, because net points are especially important in doubles patterns.

I am comfortable at the baseline but not at the net. Where should I start?

Start with drill #1 (baseline groundstroke to approach and forward movement). It rebuilds confidence by linking what you already do well to the next step you need to learn.

How often should I practice all court tennis drills like these?

A couple of times per week is a solid target if you keep sessions focused on clean repetition. Short rounds with good form will typically work better than one long session where timing breaks down.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

My 10 Favorite Ball Machine Drills for Serious Tennis Players

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Training | 0 comments

My Best Solo Drills for Competitive Players (with Pongbot)

If you want to use a machine to sharpen match-ready skills, these ball machine tennis drills focus on footwork, early preparation, and shot selection.
The idea is simple: make every fed ball force a stance, a decision, and a purpose. Over time, those reps become instincts, so you can move faster, hit cleaner, and finish points more consistently.

How to use these drills

Set the machine to deliver consistent feeds and start with a moderate pace. Emphasize quick, small steps to get your racket in line with the ball early. Rotate drills in sets of 8–12 feeds, rest briefly, then repeat. Each drill trains a specific match situation: inside-out forehands, net play, lob retrievals, court transitions, and finishing volleys.

Drill #1: Inside-Out Forehand & Cross-Court Backhand

Purpose: Create an inside-out forehand for offense while reinforcing the cross-court backhand as a consistent response.

Setup: Machine feeds slightly to your backhand side (if you are right-handed).
Action: Play an aggressive inside-out forehand. Recover quickly and prepare for a cross-court backhand on the next feed.
Key point: Early racket preparation and fast side-to-side footwork. Stay low through contact.

Drill #2: Volley Side-to-Side

Purpose: Simulate rapid net exchanges and develop split-step rhythm.

Setup: Machine set for short volleys fed straight over the middle of the net.
Action: Move side to side, keep the racket out in front, and punch volleys back aggressively, alternating between forehand and backhand.
Key point: Use small recovery steps to reset between feeds.

Drill #3: Inside-Out Forehand & Inside-Out Backhand

Purpose: Train hitting to the same corner from both wings to replicate aggressive patterning.

Setup: Machine feeds to alternating wings, but aim all balls to the same half of the court.
Action: Focus on lining the racket quickly and hitting through the ball to the target zone, one forehand and then one backhand.
Key point: Practice moving side to side and hitting with intent.

Drill #4: Spanish Drill at the Net

Purpose: Improve net interceptions and touch from close range.

Setup: Short feeds with the machine starting low over the net to force quick hands.
Action: Split-step into a short volley, then back up for a baby groundstroke on both sides, forehand and backhand.
Key point: Keep the racket up and be ready to transition from defense to instant offense.

Drill #5: Volley Workout

Purpose: Build endurance and sharpness for prolonged net exchanges.

Setup: Rapid-fire volleys alternating pressure and placement.
Action: Work on inside-out volleys while moving side to side.
Key point: This drill is a solid cardio and coordination workout – expect to be tired, which simulates the fatigue of match play.

Drill #6: Drive, Moon, Slice, Drop

Purpose: Teach variety – mixing pace, height, and spin to disrupt opponents.

Sequence: Aggressive drive, lob (moon), slice, then a short drop shot.
Action: After each feed, recover quickly and be ready for the next shot type.
Key point: Practice the transitions between attacking groundstrokes and soft finishing shots; timing and foot position change with each stroke.

Drill #7: Three-Shot Aggressive

Purpose: Simulate constructing a point in three strokes – attack, create space, finish.

Setup: Machine feeds a pattern of three balls: first to set up, second to exploit, third to finish.
Action: First ball: topspin lob. Second ball: a short ball put-away. Third ball: a drive volley.
Key point: Imagine an opponent’s movement and practice anticipating where the short ball will appear. Putaways must be decisive.

Drill #8: Lob Retrieving and Net Attack

Purpose: Improve overhead timing and the follow-up net approach after retrieving lobs.

Setup: Machine feeds a lob over your head, followed by short balls.
Action: Retrieve the lob, hit a controlled approach shot down the line or crosscourt, then close the net for the next volleys.
Key point: Move fast to retrieve the lob, and move in quickly to finish at the net.

Drill #9: Six-Ball Court Transition

Purpose: Train movement across the width of the court under sustained pressure.

Setup: Six feeds alternating from left to right along your backhand and forehand sides.
Action: Hit each ball aggressively while moving side to side. Emphasize punching balls and staying low for stability.
Key point: This is a conditioning drill as much as a technical one – control breathing and reset quickly between balls.

Drill #10: Lob – Overhead – Put-Away Volley

Purpose: Work the sequence from defensive recovery to offensive closure.

Setup: Begin with a topspin lob. Next feed is an overhead; finish with an aggressive putaway volley.
Action: Start at the baseline and get ready for a deep feed – lob the ball. Execute the overhead, move forward, and finish with a crisp volley.
Key point: Racket positioning and anticipation are everything. When you see a short ball, commit to the putaway.

Weekly practice plan

To get measurable improvement, rotate these ball machine tennis drills across three sessions per week:

Session A: Drills 1, 3, 6 (groundstroke and variety focus)
Session B: Drills 2, 4, 5 (net and volley emphasis)
Session C: Drills 7, 8, 9, 10 (point construction and transition)

Keep the sets short and intense: 3 sets of 8–12 reps per drill, with 60–90 seconds rest between sets. Track progress by recording how many putaways you convert and how quickly you recover between feeds.

Key coaching cues

Early preparation: Align the racket with the incoming ball as soon as possible.
Short choppy steps: Use quick footwork to adjust, not long reaches that throw off balance.
Finish with intent: Every drill ends with an attacking shot when possible. Train to finish points.

Common mistakes and fixes

Too upright on contact: Stay lower – bend at the knees and thrust through the ball.
Waiting for the ball: Prepare early; anticipate where the feed is going.
Poor recovery steps: Practice small, controlled steps back into a balanced position after each shot.

FAQ

How fast should I set the ball machine?

Start at a pace that lets you hit with good technique for 8–12 reps – usually moderate speed. Increase velocity once you can maintain form for multiple sets. For footwork drills, a slightly faster rhythm helps simulate match intensity.

How long should each practice session be?

Aim for 60–80 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down. Use focused 15–20 minute blocks per drill to keep intensity high and avoid technical decay from fatigue.

Can these drills replace hitting with a partner?

Ball machine drills are excellent for repetition and consistency. They do not replace live decision-making entirely, but are perfect for ingraining patterns, improving footwork, and sharpening finishing shots that you can then test in live play.

These ball machine tennis drills are tools for building reliable, repeatable tennis under pressure. Practice with purpose – focus on the small adjustments that translate into bigger gains on match day.

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Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

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5-Step Backhand Volley Tennis Lesson (No Talking)

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Training | 0 comments

5-Step Backhand Volley Tennis Lesson: Simple, Practical, Effective

This backhand volley tennis lesson breaks the shot into five clear steps so you can develop a compact, reliable backhand volley. The focus is on ready position, preparation, contact, and quick recovery. Use these steps to build muscle memory and turn a shaky net game into a weapon.

Why this backhand volley lesson matters

The backhand volley is an important shot. Players who master it can control the net, cut off angles, and finish points earlier.
Unlike groundstrokes, volleys demand split-second preparation and a short, decisive action.
This backhand volley tennis lesson keeps technique simple so you can react, punch, and recover without overthinking.

Step 1: Split step and ready position

Start from a balanced, low athletic stance. The split step times your movement to the incoming ball. As the opponent makes contact, perform a small hop and land on slightly bent knees. This primes your legs to move in any direction.

Key points for this backhand volley tennis lesson step:

Weight slightly forward: Keep your weight on the balls of your feet so you can step forward into the shot.
Racket up: Hold the racket out front at chest level with a continental grip.
Eyes on the ball: Track the ball early so you can adjust quickly.

Step 2: Backhand volley preparation

Preparation starts as soon as you commit to the ball. Turn your shoulders slightly and bring your racket out to the side. The goal is a short, efficient setup rather than a big backswing.

Preparation cues:

Short takeaway: Keep the racket head steady and close to your body.
Elbow soft: Maintain a slight bend in the dominant elbow to absorb pace and control direction.
Step toward the ball: A small forward step closes the distance and helps control depth.

Step 3: Backhand volley contact

Contact is where control happens. Aim to meet the ball out in front of your body with a stable wrist and a firm, but not rigid, grip. Think punch more than swing.

Contact checklist for this backhand volley tennis lesson:

Racket face slightly open: This helps keep the ball low and prevents pop-ups.
Contact point: Make contact out in front, roughly at waist to chest height, depending on ball trajectory.
Short follow-through: A compact high-to-low push through the ball keeps the volley crisp and accurate.

Step 4: Push off the front foot and recover

After contact, push off the front foot to regain balance and prepare for the next ball. This forward push prevents you from leaning back and losing court position.

Recovery details:

Explosive but brief: Push backward just enough to reposition, not to lunge.
Return to neutral: Bring the racket back to the ready position quickly.
Anticipate next shot: Use split-step timing again as the opponent prepares to hit.

Step 5: Repetition and technique checks

Repetition builds consistency. Use a ball machine or a practice partner who feeds, drills, and shadow practice to ingrain the pattern: split step, prep, contact, push, recover. End each drill with a quick technique check to correct small errors before they become habits.

Technique checkpoints to include in every practice session of this backhand volley tennis lesson:

Grip: Continental grip allows quick transition between forehand and backhand volleys.
Racket position: Keep the racket out in front and at chest height.
Body alignment: Face slightly sideways with shoulders aligned to the target.
Minimal backswing: Too much swing creates timing problems and weakens the shot.

Side view reminders: posture and arm path

Viewed from the side, the backhand volley should show a compact arm path, contact in front of the torso, and a short push through the ball. Avoid leaning back at contact; instead, transfer weight forward through the front leg.

Simple drills to accelerate progress

Shadow volleys: Without balls, practice the five-step sequence slowly, then increase speed. Repeat 2 minutes per session.
Feed and block: Have a partner feed low-paced balls and focus on blocking the ball back with a short punch.
Target boxes: Place cones in the service box and aim volleys to specific targets. This trains control under pressure.
Short-court rally: Play points from the service line to force quick volleys and reinforce recovery.

Common errors and quick fixes

Mistakes happen. Here are the most common ones and immediate corrections for this backhand volley tennis lesson.

Too big a backswing: Fix by rehearsing the split-step to racket-out sequence. Keep the swing to a short push.
Leaning back: Step forward into the shot and push off the front foot at contact.
Late preparation: Watch the opponent’s contact and practice split-step timing until preparation starts earlier.
Floppy wrist: Maintain a firm wrist at contact; practice punching a small target to build stability.

Putting it into match play

Start using this backhand volley tennis lesson in low-pressure situations. Begin points where you know a volley will come, like serve-and-volley drills or doubles practice. As confidence grows, use it in regular points. The goal is automatic, low-effort control at the net.

Quick practice template (30 minutes)

5 minutes warm-up and shadow volleys.
10 minutes of feed-and-block drills focusing on contact and racket control.
10 minutes target volleys and recovery work.
5 minutes short-court points or cool-down shadow reps.

backhand tennis volley

FAQ

What grip should I use for the backhand volley?

Use a continental grip. It allows quick adjustments and keeps the racket face versatile for both forehand and backhand volleys. Avoid switching grips at the last moment; keep the continental grip as your default at the net.

How do I time the split step correctly?

Time the split step to the opponent’s contact. The hop readies your legs to move in any direction and prevents late reactions. Practice by having a partner strike the ball repeatedly while you focus only on landing the split step as they make contact.

Should the backhand volley have a full swing?

No. The backhand volley is a short, decisive action. A full swing increases the chance of errors and makes timing harder. Think punch, not swing.

How can I practice alone?

Use a ball machine (our favorite is the Pongbot Pace S Pro) to feed volleys. Shadow practice and target drills without a ball are also effective. Focused repetition of the five steps will transfer to live situations.

How long until I see improvement?

Consistent practice – short daily sessions focusing on these five steps – can lead to noticeable improvement in a few weeks. Quality beats quantity: focused reps with deliberate technique checks accelerate progress.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Father vs. Daughter Lob Challenge | 10-Ball Tennis Game & Tips

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Training | 0 comments

Tennis Lob Game: Father vs Daughter — Who Wins the Challenge?

I set up a playful tennis lob game to see whether I or my 18-year-old daughter, Bianca, could hit more successful lobs out of 10 tries.
The idea was simple: she stays inside the service box and reaches up with her racket to block my lobs, while I start from the baseline and try to clear her racket. Then we swap places.
It turned out to be closer than I expected and a great way to sharpen an essential shot.

How this tennis lob game is set up

Keep the setup straightforward so the drill runs fast and stays competitive. Here’s how we organized it:

Players: Me and my daughter, Bianca, age 18.
Positioning: Challenger from the baseline; defender inside the ad service box (cannot cross the service line).
Feed: We used a ball machine to feed at the same pace every 5 seconds so each attempt feels consistent.
Attempts: 10 lobs per person. Count how many times the lob clears the defender and lands in play.
Scoring: One point for each successful lob. Short shots that don’t clear the racket or land beyond the baseline count as misses.

Why this tennis lob game works

This drill isolates three key elements of the lob: depth, height, and timing.
Because the defender cannot step past the service line, the lob has to be accurate enough to clear a raised racket but still deep enough to push the opponent back.
Using a ball machine, such as the Pongbot Pace S Pro, or consistent feeds keeps the challenge fair and repeatable.

Practical lob tips I used during the challenge

Hit with topspin: A topspin lob gives better margin over the opponent and helps the ball drop faster into the court, reducing the chance of it sailing long.
Aim deep: Lobs that land near the baseline force the defender to retreat and buy you time to recover.
Open racket face slightly: For controlled height without sacrificing depth, open your face just enough to lift the ball but still brush up for spin.
Watch the racket: Read the defender’s racket position. If they’re reaching up on tiptoes, a higher lob is necessary; if they’re flat, go for a deeper, lower lob.

Making it a fun family or coaching drill

The competitive element keeps everyone engaged. Here are a few ways to vary the tennis lob game for coaches, parents, or practice partners:

Play best-of-three rounds to determine a champion.
Change the defender zone: force them to start on the service line or at different depths.
Add movement: have the defender walk laterally after each feed to simulate a more dynamic volleyer.
Use handicaps: give the younger or less experienced player extra attempts or require the adult at the net to start a few steps inside the service line.

What I learned playing against Bianca

After our first ten-ball series, we were tied, so we went another round.
The drill revealed small technical differences that made a big impact: a few lobs were clearly off-center or too short, while others landed cleanly on the baseline.
Friendly competition highlighted consistency over one-off power shots. It also reminded me how motivating it is to practice when there’s a scoreboard and someone cheering on the other side of the net.

Quick checklist before you start

Warm up with a few groundstrokes and overheads.
Set consistent feeds so each attempt is comparable.
Agree on scoring and boundaries before you begin.
Keep it short – ten balls are enough to force focus and reveal form errors.

tennis lob game

FAQ

How should the defender position themselves during the tennis lob game?

Start inside the ad service box and do not cross the service line. Focus on keeping your racket up and ready. Move only within the box to challenge the lobber to control height and depth.

What counts as a successful lob?

A successful lob clears the defender’s racket and lands in the court within bounds. Lobs that hit the racket, are too short, or go long do not count.

Can I use a ball machine for this drill?

Yes. A ball machine with consistent timing helps standardize the feed so each player gets the same challenge, making the competition fairer and the practice more effective.

Any tips for the lobber under pressure?

Breathe between shots, focus on one technical element per round (height, depth, or spin), and aim for consistency rather than trying to outdo the opponent with power.

Final thought

The tennis lob game is a simple, competitive way to practice a shot that often gets neglected.
Playing against my daughter Bianca made it fun and revealing – and that tie we ended up with was a perfect reminder that practice can be both serious and joyful.
Try it next time you’re on court; ten balls will tell you more about your lob than a hundred comfort-zone rallies.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

How to Recover Faster After Hitting Wide Balls in Tennis

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Training | 0 comments

Tennis Footwork Technique: Recover Faster After Wide Balls

To stop getting caught out of position after a wide shot, focus on a single tennis footwork technique that blends crossover steps and shuffle steps. This combination gives you explosive initial speed to close the gap and a balanced finish to prepare for the next direction change.

Why most players get recovery wrong

Many players chase a wide ball, make the hit, then use only shuffle steps to get back to the center. Shuffling keeps you balanced, but it is not the quickest way to recover when the court you left open.
The missing link is using one or a couple of crossover steps right after the shot to generate immediate lateral speed, then switching to shuffles to stabilize and be ready for the opponent’s next shot.

What crossover steps are, and why they matter

Crossover steps are a footwork pattern where the outside foot – the one closer to the ball you just hit – crosses in front of the inside foot, allowing you to push off and accelerate laterally.
The sequence looks like this: outside foot crosses over in front, inside foot slides out, outside crosses again, inside slides, and so on.
The power of crossover steps is their ability to create a fast initial burst. When you need to cover extra distance to return to a neutral court position, that burst is what gets you into place quickly. For recovering after wide balls, one or two crossover steps give you the speed you need without overcommitting.

What shuffle steps are good for

Shuffle steps involve keeping your feet at roughly the same stagger while stepping laterally, with one foot sliding close to the other and then the next foot moving.
This footwork keeps your hips square and your balance steady, making it easier to change direction at the last moment.
While shuffling is excellent for controlled lateral movement and quick directional changes, it is slower than crossover steps for covering larger distances. That is why the best recovery uses both patterns in sequence.

Combine crossover and shuffle for the fastest recovery

The principle is simple and repeatable: after hitting a wide ball, use one or two crossover steps to get momentum and then switch immediately into shuffle steps to stabilize and prepare.
How many crossover steps you take depends on how far you have to travel. If the ball forced you wide but not extremely wide, one crossover step followed by shuffles often does the trick. If you were stretched much farther, two crossover steps before shuffling is a reasonable choice.
This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: speed immediately after contact and balance to react if your opponent fires a ball behind you or down the line.

How to practice this tennis footwork technique

Shadow step drill: Without a ball, simulate hitting a wide forehand or backhand. Take one or two crossover steps away from the contact point, then tap into three shuffle steps back toward the middle. Repeat 10 times per side.
Cone recovery drill: Place cones to mark wide positions. Start at the center, sprint to the cone, perform the hit movement, then execute the crossover-shuffle recovery back to center. Time each rep and try to reduce your recovery time.
Partner feed: Have a partner feed wide balls while you practice the crossover plus shuffle sequence. Focus on clean footwork mechanics – cross, slide, then short, balanced shuffles.
On-court sequence: During point play or drills, intentionally force yourself to use the crossover steps on wide balls instead of defaulting to shuffles. Muscle memory develops quickly when repeated under pressure.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Over-crossover: Taking too many crossover steps pushes you off balance and makes it harder to change direction. Fix it by limiting crossover steps to one or two, then immediately switch to shuffles.
No finish position: Recovering with only crossovers can leave you reaching for balance. Finish with two or three controlled shuffle steps so your knees are bent and your shoulders are square.
Slow first step: Hesitation kills recovery. Train explosive crossovers so your first step is a decisive push rather than a tentative shuffle.

Gear and setup: why shoes matter

Lateral movement and quick pushes off during crossover steps require a stable, comfortable shoe.
A wide toe box helps your foot spread and grip during those explosive pushes. Shoes that feel springy but supportive aid fatigue management during long practices.
Comfortable, stable shoes let you focus on executing the tennis footwork technique without worrying about foot slippage or discomfort.

Quick checklist to run through before you hit

Ready stance: knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet.
First step: decisive crossover toward the target if the distance is large.
Recovery finish: two or three shuffle steps to get balanced and square.
Eyes up: track the opponent immediately after recovery.

Why does this work in match play

In match situations, you rarely have the luxury of perfect balance immediately after a wide stretch.
A practical tennis footwork technique that starts with crossovers and ends with shuffles buys you time and adaptability. It is faster than shuffling alone and safer than overcommitting to crossovers.
Combined, the movement pattern improves your ability to return the next ball and reduces the chances of being passed or out of position.

Final thoughts

The next time you find yourself scrambling wide, try one or two crossover steps straight after the hit and transition into controlled shuffles.
Spend a few practice sessions drilling the sequence until it becomes automatic. You will notice cleaner recoveries, quicker preparedness for the opponent’s reply, and fewer running-around awkward stances.

recovery footwork tennis technique

FAQ

How many crossover steps should I take when recovering from a wide ball?

One or two crossover steps are usually enough. One if you only need a short burst of speed, two if you were pulled much wider. Follow them immediately with shuffle steps to regain balance.

Is shuffling ever better than a crossover for recovery?

Yes. Shuffling is superior for short, controlled movements and when you are already close to the center. Use shuffles if you only need small adjustments or if you must be ready to change direction quickly.

Will practicing this tennis footwork technique make me slower in other movements?

No. Practicing crossovers followed by shuffles builds speed and balance. It enhances your lateral acceleration and improves your ability to react rather than slow you down.

Any tips for avoiding injury while practicing these steps?

Warm up thoroughly, focus on knee alignment when crossing over, avoid overstriding, and wear stable shoes with good lateral support. Gradually increase intensity rather than forcing maximum speed immediately.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Train Your Put-Away Shots with This Advanced 3-Shot Pattern 🎾

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Training | 0 comments

Tennis Drill for Advanced Players: 3-Shot Put-Away

This tennis drill for advanced players trains three decisive put-away shots in sequence: a topspin lob, a short-ball drive, and an aggressive drive volley.
The goal is simple and ruthless – move from defense to offense in three strikes and finish the point with intention. Use it to sharpen timing, footwork, and the mental habit of attacking when the opportunity appears.

Why this drill matters

At higher levels, points are rarely won by pure consistency alone.
Winners come from a combination of smart defense, instant transition to offense, and clean execution at the net.
This tennis drill for advanced players replicates a common rally pattern: set up with an offensive lob, seize a short ball, and close with a put-away volley.
Practicing this chain builds muscle memory for moving forward, striking with purpose, and finishing points under pressure.

What you need

A ball machine or a committed feeding partner who can deliver three-shot sequences: deep, short, then high into the net area.
Full court so you can practice both cross-court and down-the-line patterns.
Focus on intent – this drill is about winning the rally, not just getting shots back.

A programmable machine like the Pongbot Pace S Pro works particularly well because you can set realistic shot sequencing and pace.
If you train alone, a machine removes inconsistencies in the feed and lets you repeat specific patterns until they become automatic.

Drill setup and sequence

Start at the baseline.
The machine or feeder sends three shots: deep to your forehand/backhand (topspin lob), then a short ball into the service box, and finally a high feed for a drive volley near the net.
On the first shot, play an aggressive topspin lob that forces the opponent back or gives you time to approach.
Move forward quickly for the short ball and hit a hard, flat, or topspin drive aimed to end the point – treat it like a put-away groundstroke.
Close the sequence by charging the net and taking the high ball with a drive forehand volley – again with put-away intent.
Repeat the sequence on the forehand and backhand sides to develop both-wing competence.

Technical cues for each shot

Topspin lob

The lob can both reset your point and create a new point. Concentrate on hitting the ball up and through with a low-to-high path of the swing.
To generate spin, you will need to brush up the ball. Move your weight onto your back foot and aim a little bit deeper to get the opponent to push back.
It is not a defensive moonball but an aggressive, looping tosser that carries you forward.

Short-ball drive

Approach the ball with a load on your legs and step through it.
Your objective is to hit the ball so hard and so flat that it is almost impossible for the opponent to catch it.
If you have to, give preference to the placement rather than just the strength: a steep cross-court angle or an inside-out drive to the weaker side of the opponent are the perfect options.

Drive volley

On the volley, get your racket out early and punch through the ball with a firm wrist and forward momentum.
Keep your racquet face slightly closed to avoid popping up.
Move your feet aggressively so the shot is taken out in front.
The line of attack should be low to medium with a decisive follow-through, aiming to end the point either with depth or an angle.

Footwork and movement patterns

Footwork is the glue that makes these three shots work as a sequence.
From the baseline, use small, quick steps to set up for the lob.
After the lob, explode forward into the court to reach the short ball.
After the drive, close the distance to the net with controlled steps and set your base for the volley.

Alternating between cross-court and down-the-line patterns, you should practice approaches. Changing the path of your approach not only tests your balance but also enhances your real-match adaptability.

Practice structure and progressions

Warm up with simple feed-and-return drills for 10 minutes.
Run the 3-shot put-away sequence for 8 to 12 reps per side, alternating cross-court and down-the-line targets.
Take a short rest, then repeat 3 to 4 sets total. Focus on quality over quantity.
Progress by increasing ball pace, adding unpredictability in feed depth, or having the feeder sometimes mix in a low-skidding short ball to force quicker adjustments.
Advanced variation: have the final ball come slightly higher or deeper to simulate a real opponent’s defensive reset – this tests volley timing under different trajectories.

Common mistakes and fixes

Too passive on the lob – Fix: hit a penetrating topspin lob, not a passive moonball. Use weight transfer to make the lob a weapon.
Rushing the short ball – Fix: ensure your base is set before you swing. Take one compact preparation step and then explode through the shot.
Late racket preparation for the volley – Fix: read the short ball early and get your racket ready while moving forward. Take the volley out in front.
Poor footwork closing to the net – Fix: practice split-step timing and short explosive steps; never leap awkwardly into the volley.

Coaching checklist

Topspin lob: contact point early, low-to-high swing, depth over height.
Short-ball drive: step in, shoulders turn, hit with intent.
Drive volley: racket out early, take ball in front, compact punch.
Movement: aggressive forward momentum, controlled approach steps, and recover quickly after each rep.

Sample 60-minute practice plan using this tennis drill for advanced players

10 minutes of dynamic warm-up and groundstroke warm-up.
10 minutes of technical practice focusing on the topspin lob mechanics.
20 minutes 3-shot put-away drill (4 sets of 8-12 reps) alternating sides and directions.
10 minutes of volley-only practice to reinforce drive volley mechanics.
10 minutes match-play points starting from lob-to-short transitions.

Equipment note

If training alone, a programmable machine that reproduces realistic rally sequences makes this drill far more effective.
A ball machine that can send deep, short, and high balls in controlled sequences lets you repeat the pattern until your timing and footwork are automatic.

tennis player transitioning from baseline to net

FAQ

How should I set the ball machine for this drill?

Program three-shot sequences: a deep topspin feed to push you back, a short ball into the service box, and a higher feed around the net height for the drive volley. Adjust pace to your level and gradually increase speed as you improve.

Can a lower-level player use this drill?

Of course, but make the drill easier. Begin with a slower feed and instead of emphasizing aggressive shots, focus on the proper footwork and technique right away. In the initial stage, change the direct shot placement to a more controlled shot without poor execution.

What is the main tactical takeaway?

The exercise is designed to cultivate the ability to shift from defensive to offensive and score points with intent. It trains players to immediately identify and make use of short balls, thereby inhibiting a moment of doubt at the time when a put-away chance surfaces.

How do I practice the backhand side?

Perform the same sequence on the backhand wing where you practice both the topspin backhand lobs and the short backhand drives, followed by a backhand volley or a forehand volley if you choose to redirect. Change the feed direction to concentrate on the inside-out and down-the-line patterns.

Final note

This tennis drill for advanced players is the one that links the recovery approach to the finishing of the point. So train it with the right focus, keep it aggressive, and consider it primarily the correct footwork and early racket preparation.
For a drill that is customized for a specific technical or tactical deficiency, you identify the problem and then create a direct development that is solely intended to remedy that problem.

Ready to take it to the next level? Check out our Ball Machine Tennis Course – packed with practical drills and tips:

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

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