Progressive pairs practices

Build core skills, game understanding and smart decision-making through these simple activities that layer difficulty to challenge players.

Boast and drive

This activity builds up from a basic boast-drive to more complex options that mimic match play. It helps players to develop movement and awareness.

1. Basic boast and drive: One player boasts, the other drives.

2. 2-shot pattern: The back player drives to self, then boasts. The front player drops to self, then drives.

3. Player choice: The back player can drop or boast. The front player can play straight or cross-court.

4. Boast, drive, drive: Players alternate shots following this pattern.

5. Straight length rally with boast option

6. React to boast option 1: After a boast is played, the return can be a drop or straight deep shot.

7. React to boast option 2: After a boast is played, the returner can play a drop or anywhere deep.

Drop and drive

This activity blends accuracy with anticipation. The shifting roles and shot options make it ideal for reading the ball and resetting under pressure.

1. Basic drop and drive: The back player drops, the front player drives straight.

2. 2-shot pattern: The back players hits deep to self, then drops. Front player drops to self, then hits deep.

3. Player choice: Players can choose to drop or drive.

4. Drop, drive, drive: Players alternate shots following this pattern (all straight).

5. Straight rally with short option: At any time, a player can drop. The opponent must reply with a straight deep shot.

Boast, cross, volley

This one's about thinking ahead and reacting fast. It combines front court work with recovery and volleying under pressure.

1. Boast, cross lob, straight volley: Players alternate shots following this pattern.

2. Cross option: Follow the same pattern, but the cross can be a lob or a drive.

3. Player choice 1: Players can return straight or boast from the cross-court.

4. Player choice 2: Players can return straight or cross-court from the lob.

Length hitting

Use this simple activity to focus on accuracy, shot selection and tactical awareness.

1. Straight length above service line (no volleys).

2. Straight length anywhere on the front wall.

3. Cross option 1: Players can volley cross-court.

4. Cross option 2: Players can play cross-court on the bounce only.

5. Full length hitting 1: Players must hit all shots above the service line to the back.

6. Full length hitting 2: Players can hit anywhere on the front wall, but it must land in the back of the court.

How to use these in sessions