StrategyAll Levels
Play competitive points under pressure and practice sound decision-making.
- PlayersGroup
- Time20 min
- EquipmentBasket of balls
Setup: One player (or doubles team) starts on the 'king' side. Challengers line up behind the baseline on the other side. Coach feeds from the side of the king's court.
- Coach feeds a ball to the challenger to start the point.
- If the challenger wins, they run to the king side; if not, they go to the back of the line.
- Only points won on the king side score.
- Play for a set time; the player with the most points wins.
Coaching cues
- Play percentage tennis
- Build the point before you go for it
- Reset between points
Common mistakes
- Going for winners off the first ball
- Rushing between points
Progression: Play doubles king of the court, or start points with a serve.
Coach's note: Pressure reveals which skills are truly learned. Watch for the shot choices players make when they want to stay on the king side.