The exercise is performed with four players on the mini tennis court. Everyone is at the net and plays volleys only with one ball. After two ball contacts per team, the two team members switch sides. The side change should be done via the shorter route in front of the partner if possible, without interrupting the rally. The goal is to keep the ball in play in a controlled way and support the partner during the side change with precise volleys. The focus is not on pace or winners, but on a shared, stable rally with fluid position changes.
Training Goal
This exercise improves volley control under coordination demands. The regular side change trains orientation, communication, and coordination in doubles. At the same time, players learn to consciously manage the tempo of the game and relieve their partner with controlled volleys. This promotes feel, anticipation, and teamwork equally.
Load Management
- Drill type: Together complete as many error-free side changes as possible.
- Goal: First 10 successful side changes, then increase to 12 or more changes.
- Duration: approx. 10–15 minutes
- Court: mini tennis court
- Intensity: medium, with high coordination demands
Coaching Keys
- Play the volley softly and in a controlled way to the partner team.
- Support the side change with a well-prepared ball.
- Use the shortest path when changing position.
- Stay on the balls of your feet after every volley.
- Communicate with your partner during the rally.
- Calm the game down if a teammate comes under pressure.
- Play with each other – not against each other.
Possible Corrections
- Reduce ball pace if the rally becomes unstable.
- Play the volley more upward rather than driving it down.
- Start the side change immediately after the second team contact.
- Do not cross behind the partner; choose the shorter route instead.
- After the change, return immediately to a stable volley position.
- In moments of hectic play, deliberately take pace off and stabilize the rally again.
Progressive Structure
Level 1 – Basics
- Volley play on the mini tennis court with a side change after two team contacts.
Level 2 – Longer rallies
- Target of ten error-free side changes without losing the ball.
Level 3 – Higher precision
- Place the volleys deliberately to the Forehand and backhand side to support the partner optimally.
Level 4 – Increased dynamism
- Increase ball pace slightly without losing control of the rally.
Level 5 – Competitive form
- Two teams compete against each other. Scoring is based on the highest number of error-free side changes or on which team first reaches a set number of successful changes.