Short–Deep Serving
Servers alternate between a short zone and the deep third of the court.
Quick look
15 minutes 3–16 playersIntermediate · AdvancedChoose up to three drills, then let the builder complete and time your practice.
What players are learning
Use depth to disrupt a serve-receive formation with intentional placement.
See the setup
Where everyone starts
Serve from behind the end line and aim through the court, not just over the net.
Set it up
- Mark a short zone and a deep zone in each half of the receiving court.
Run the drill
- Players serve short, then deep, repeating the pattern.
- Score one point for the correct depth and a bonus point for the called half.
- First player or pair to 12 wins.
What to say
- Keep the same starting routine.
- Change contact and pace, not control.
- Watch how the receiver adjusts.