ES EspañolEN English
Skip to content
Sergio DolzTRAIN
TennisAdvancedFree routine

Advanced tennis: defend, approach and finish

Nine blocks link recovery, a five-shot transition, volleying and overheads. Short sets preserve positioning speed and accuracy. The session includes preparation and supplementary low-load movements. You may split them up or shorten the session according to tolerance.

Read the workout without signing up. The app adds a timer, set logging and access to your activity.

A person practising tennis on a court. AI-generated image.
A person practising tennis on a court. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
54 min
Level
Advanced
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Court, Rackets, Ball basket and Coach or partner with controlled feeding
Before you choose
For players who control approaches, volleys, overheads and braking. First rehearse the five-ball sequence at moderate speed.
Intensity
Effort 6–8/10 during sequences; recover until you can repeat with quality.
Warm-up
Preparation is already included at the start: Dynamic court warm-up. Follow those blocks as prescribed and do not repeat them as extra work. Increase the pace gradually without aiming for fatigue.

Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.

PREPARE TO MOVE

Your warm-up

These movements are already part of the workout. Do them in their scheduled place rather than repeating them as extra work.

  1. Dynamic court warm-up

    1 × 6 min

    In a clear lane, begin walking and progress to a gentle jog. Add sideways steps and comfortable shoulder and hip movements. Finish with two short, gradual accelerations; walk back between them.

    What you train: Prepares court movement and coordinates legs, trunk and arms.

    Watch video See its place in the workout
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Dynamic court warm-up

    1 × 6 min

    How to do it
    1. In a clear lane, begin walking and progress to a gentle jog.
    2. Add sideways steps and comfortable shoulder and hip movements.
    3. Finish with two short, gradual accelerations; walk back between them.

    What it trainsPrepares court movement and coordinates legs, trunk and arms.

    Rest
    Include two gradual accelerations without exhausting yourself.
    Tempo
    Technical control; full pause between repetitions
    The movement, step by step

    Begin walking and move into an easy jog. Add sideways movement, comfortable shoulder and hip mobility, and two short progressive accelerations. Walk back between runs.

    Technique cueThe final pass should leave you ready to play rather than exhausted.

    Watch the demonstration for Dynamic court warm-upUSTA · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Video identified from the official USTA National Campus link and USTA channel result. Selection and prescription are this app's adaptation; playback and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    The official video offers a broad warm-up routine. This card selects brief, progressive preparation; you do not need every movement shown.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Walk and reduce range and speed.
    To progress
    Add a controlled diagonal start before beginning to hit.
    Avoid this mistake
    Starting with a maximal run before warming up.
    View exercise guide
  2. Cooperative mini-tennis

    2 × 60 s

    How to do it
    1. Stand near service lines on opposite sides of the net with the boxes clear.
    2. Start gently and return after one bounce inside the service boxes.
    3. Maintain a cooperative rally and adjust distance if control is lost.

    What it trainsTrains force control and placement in a short cooperative rally.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s between sets. Collect the balls before the next block.
    Tempo
    Technical control; full pause between repetitions
    The movement, step by step

    Stand near the service lines. Begin with a gentle feed and maintain a rally after one bounce within the service boxes. Adjust the distance to preserve control.

    Technique cueWork together to keep the ball in play.

    Watch the demonstration for Cooperative mini-tennisDaily Tennis Lesson · Brady · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    The author's page describes an individual mini-tennis lesson and offers iframe GTKZv2NWTks. oEmbed confirms title and Daily Tennis Lesson channel on 2026-10-01. Duration, full playback, framing, language and audiovisual clarity require manual review.

    Date checked:

    Lesson focused on mini-tennis. Follow the cooperative one-bounce rally and your card's duration.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use a low-compression ball and catch after the bounce before returning it.
    To progress
    Alternate forehand and backhand without greatly increasing speed.
    Avoid this mistake
    Trying to hit a winner when the goal is cooperation.
    View exercise guide
  3. Baseline coverage and recovery

    5 × 4 balls

    How to do it
    1. Start at a central baseline marker; your partner prepares reachable side feeds.
    2. Move to each ball, adjust final steps and hit in balance.
    3. Recover to centre before the next feed, leaving braking room.

    What it trainsTrains lateral baseline coverage and recovery after hitting.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s between sets. Collect the balls before the next block.
    Tempo
    Technical control; full pause between repetitions
    The movement, step by step

    Respond to sideways feeds from the baseline and recover to a central reference after each shot.

    Technique cueThe feeder waits until you are ready; slow down if you arrive late.

    Watch the demonstration for Baseline coverage and recoveryHEAD Tennis · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical text and video identity checked in the official page's iframe. Full playback, framing and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Baseline coverage pattern. Width, pace and prescription come from this session; sliding on the surface is unnecessary.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce feed width and speed.
    To progress
    Maintain accuracy with slightly faster feeds.
    Avoid this mistake
    Continuing when you are consistently late.
    View exercise guide
  4. Five-shot transition to the net

    4 × 5 balls

    How to do it
    1. Agree a five-ball sequence with the feeder and start at the baseline.
    2. Link shots while moving forward, adjusting your steps to stay balanced.
    3. Set your feet at the net and finish with a controlled volley.

    What it trainsTrains the transition from baseline play to net attack.

    Rest
    Rest 60 s between sets. Collect the balls before the next block.
    Tempo
    Technical control; full pause between repetitions
    The movement, step by step

    Complete a five-shot sequence from the baseline towards the net, finishing with a volley.

    Technique cueCoordinate forward movement with each feed so you can prepare the stroke.

    Watch the demonstration for Five-shot transition to the netHEAD Tennis · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical text and video identity checked in the official page's iframe. Full playback, framing and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Five-shot attacking transition video. Rehearse with your feeder first and use this card's rests.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Rehearse the sequence walking, with predictable feeds.
    To progress
    Record how many sequences you finish in the target zone.
    Avoid this mistake
    Speeding up without controlling your contact position.
    View exercise guide
  5. Net coverage: approach, volley and overhead

    4 sequences of 3 balls

    How to do it
    1. Agree an approach, volley and lob sequence with the feeder; start at the baseline.
    2. Hit the approach, advance and settle your feet for the volley.
    3. Turn to position under the lob; hit with control or cancel if unsafe.

    What it trainsTrains approach, volley and overhead positioning.

    Rest
    Rest 60 s between sets. Collect the balls before the next block.
    Tempo
    Technical control; full pause between repetitions
    The movement, step by step

    Link an approach, volley and adjustment for a controlled overhead in a prepared sequence.

    Technique cueLeave space to reposition; never run blindly backwards after a lob.

    Watch the demonstration for Net coverage: approach, volley and overheadHEAD Tennis · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical text and video identity checked in the official page's iframe. Full playback, framing and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Reference for net coverage and overhead preparation. The feeder adapts height and distance to the available safe space.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Practise only the approach and volley, without an overhead.
    To progress
    Vary targets while keeping the same number of strokes.
    Avoid this mistake
    Hitting while losing your balance.
    View exercise guide
  6. Set up a drop volley

    2 × 4 sequences; switch the active player in another session

    How to do it
    1. One player prepares the approach shot while the partner feeds; clear the path to the net.
    2. Hit a deep approach shot, move forwards and steady your feet before the volley.
    3. Choose a deep or short volley according to the position indicated by the feeder.

    What it trainsPractises moving to the net and choosing a deep or short volley for the situation.

    Rest
    60 s between sets. The duration is for one active player.
    Tempo
    Technical control; full pause between repetitions
    The movement, step by step

    Hit a deep approach shot, move forwards and prepare the volley. Alternate deep and short volleys according to the position indicated by the feeder. Only one player hits in this block; the partner feeds.

    Technique cueThe same player hits throughout this block; the partner stays in the feeder role.

    Watch the demonstration for Set up a drop volleyUSTA · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical text and video identity checked in the official page's iframe. Full playback, framing and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    External exercise reference. Use this card's prescription, rests and adaptations.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Receive a gentle feed and practise only the short volley.
    To progress
    Alternate deep and short volleys according to your partner's position.
    Avoid this mistake
    Trying a drop volley from an unbalanced position.
    View exercise guide
  7. Baseline, volley and overhead game

    2 × 3 min

    How to do it
    1. Start a baseline point; its winner moves to the net for the next phase.
    2. Win a volley point, then an overhead point to complete one game point.
    3. Return to the baseline after a failed phase; clear balls before restarting.

    What it trainsLinks baseline play, volleys and overheads with different decisions.

    Rest
    60–90 s between rounds. Finish the current point and collect the balls.
    Tempo
    Technical control; full pause between repetitions
    The movement, step by step

    Play a baseline point. Its winner then tries to win at the net and finally with an overhead to score one game point. Failing a phase means returning to the baseline.

    Technique cueAgree who feeds each ball and cancel lobs without safe positioning.

    Watch the demonstration for Baseline, volley and overhead gameUSTA · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical text and video identity checked in the official page's iframe. Full playback, framing and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Official Smash Attack game. The source proposes playing to five complete points; short timed rounds are an adaptation for this session.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Replace the overhead with an easy volley while retaining the transition.
    To progress
    Play with target limits and note where control is lost.
    Avoid this mistake
    Confusing winning one rally with completing all three phases.
    View exercise guide
  8. Forehand self-rally with a bounce

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. In a clear space, face the racket upward with the ball on the strings.
    2. Tap to about eye height, allow one bounce and catch.
    3. Once controlled, link forehand taps with one bounce between each.

    What it trainsTrains bounce judgement and racket-face control on the forehand.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    With the racket face upwards, tap the ball to approximately eye height. Allow one bounce and catch it. Then link taps with a bounce between each.

    Technique cueUse a low-compression ball and a repeatable height.

    Watch the demonstration for Forehand self-rally with a bounceUSTA · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical text and video identity checked in the official page's iframe. Full playback, framing and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    External exercise reference. Use this card's prescription, rests and adaptations.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Catch the ball after each bounce.
    To progress
    Link six contacts without leaving a marked area.
    Avoid this mistake
    Avoid hitting so hard that you must chase the ball.
    View exercise guide
  9. Alternating forehand-backhand self-rally

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Start in a clear area with a forehand upward tap.
    2. Allow one bounce, prepare the backhand grip and tap upward again.
    3. Continue alternating with one bounce and a comfortable height.

    What it trainsTrains switching strokes and adjusting grip while controlling the bounce.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    The movement, step by step

    Tap the ball upwards, allow one bounce and change sides to alternate forehand and backhand. Adjust your grip before the next contact and keep a comfortable height.

    Technique cueChange grip during the bounce, before the ball reaches the strings.

    Watch the demonstration for Alternating forehand-backhand self-rallyUSTA · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical text and video identity checked in the official page's iframe. Full playback, framing and language unverified. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    External exercise reference. Use this card's prescription, rests and adaptations.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Catch the ball when changing sides.
    To progress
    Complete eight alternations at a similar height.
    Avoid this mistake
    Changing grip while hitting.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Walk for 3 min and note where control was lost: baseline, approach, volley or overhead.

How to progress

Require four technically clean sequences before varying feeds. Progress with one extra decision or a smaller target, without adding sets.

Open workout in the app →

General routines for adults. If you have a health condition, an injury, are pregnant or have medical instructions, consult your professional before starting and ask for adaptations. Stop if you experience pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness.