Ball Machine Tennis Drill for Advanced Players

If you’re looking for a tennis drill for advanced players that builds shot variety rather than relying on mindless repetition, this will change the way you practice.
It forces you to move, change grips, and shift mindset every few balls so you practice aggression, defense, spin, and touch all in one go.

Why this drill works

Most practice sessions focus on one shot until it feels comfortable. That helps technique, but does not train match-like variety.
This tennis drill for advanced players combines four distinct strokes in a fixed pattern, allowing you to learn both transitions and individual mechanics.

By alternating drives, moonballs, slices, and drop shots, you train footwork, timing, and spin control under pressure. It also forces you to adjust where you take the ball and how much racket speed you use from rally to rally.

How to set up

Use a ball machine that feeds side to side or have a partner feed alternating to your forehand and backhand. Set the machine to medium pace so you can move and recover between shots. Start by directing the sequence down the line, then repeat crosscourt.

Step-by-step sequence

1. Drive (forehand/backhand) – Attack from the baseline with an aggressive, compact swing.
2. Moonball (forehand/backhand) – Hit a high, topspin lob that buys recovery time and pushes the opponent back during a match.
3. Slice (forehand/backhand) – Stay down, slice through the ball to produce backspin and a low, skidding bounce.
4. Drop shot (forehand/backhand) – Use soft hands and step in; the goal is a short ball that lands just over the net.

Key practice variations

• Start down the line for a set of repetitions, then repeat the pattern cross-court.
• Change the order once you’ve done the basic sequence to simulate different point scenarios.
• Adjust machine speed to work on footwork at faster paces, or slow it down to focus on touch for certain shots.

Tips for each shot

• Drive: Turn your shoulders early, step into the ball, brush up on the ball, and follow through.
• Moonball: Use an upward swing to create safe clearance and send the ball as close as possible to the baseline.
• Slice: Open the racket face slightly, contact out in front, and brush down and through to keep the ball low after the bounce.
• Drop shot: Shorten your backswing, soften through the ball with low grip pressure.

How long should a practice set last?

Aim for 6 to 12 full sequences per set, resting 60 seconds between sets. Quality beats quantity – focus on clean transitions and realistic placement.

Can I do this drill without a ball machine?

Yes. A partner can feed alternating balls, or you can use live rally patterns that mimic the sequence. A machine simply makes the repetitions more consistent.

When should I add this to my weekly routine?

Use this tennis drill for advanced players once or twice a week as a variety session. Combine it with a focused technical session and a match-play day for a balanced training plan.

Pick one technical or tactical detail you want to improve and make it the focus for your next set. This drill trains your ability to shift gears quickly, and that skill wins points.

The drill shown in this article was practiced using a Pongbot tennis ball machine. If you’d like to check it out, you can find more details here.