Deep serve drill for net transition

Serve12:30Jul 11, 2020

Key takeaway from our Guru

How do I improve my transition to the net after a deep serve?

You must hit your serve deep behind the service line to force a weak return. As you move forward, keep your hand firm and make contact well in front of your body to ensure your volley is fast and aggressive.

What this lesson covers

This drill focuses on hitting deep serves that land behind the service line to force the receiving team into a defensive position. The server must aim for depth rather than short, angled serves, making it harder for the opponents to return the ball effectively. The receivers have the choice to volley the deep serve from the back of the court or let it bounce, provided their first shot is played low.

Players learn to move forward with purpose after the serve, maintaining a firm hand and solid contact point to avoid floating the ball. When volleying, the contact must be made well in front of the body to keep the ball moving quickly, preventing the opponents from counter-attacking. The drill emphasizes closing the middle of the court and maintaining active feet during transitions. If a player chooses to move forward, they must commit to the net position, whereas staying back requires a defensive mindset to cover the court effectively. The exercise highlights the importance of consistency and aggressive positioning to turn a deep serve into an offensive advantage.

Keep learning in the app

Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.

Original video

Good for

Skill level

Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate

Court position

Both sides, Net, Service line, Backcourt

Play style

Offensive

Secondary shot

Volley

Support Rodri Ovide

Every lesson on this page is Rodri Ovide's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.

Subscribe on YouTube

Related video lessons