Step-back Serving
Start serving close to the net and move back a step after each good serve. Builds confidence and a repeatable technique for new servers.
- Focus
- Getting the serve over consistently
- Level
- Beginner
- Players
- 1 or more
- Equipment
- 2–3 balls per player, a net
- Time
- 8–10 min
Side view
Side view: serves from three distances — closer serves need less power for the same arc.
📍 Setup
Each server starts at the attack line (3 m from the net) with a few balls.
🪜 How to run it
- Serve from the attack line using the underhand or overhand technique.
- After a serve lands in, take one big step back.
- After a miss, stay where you are (or step forward if you miss twice).
- Keep going until you reach the end line — then serve from behind it.
🏆 Scoring
Count how many serves it takes to reach the end line. Try to do it in fewer serves next time.
🧑🏫 Coaching this drill
What success looks like
The same toss and arm swing from every distance — only the power changes.
Coaching cues
“Same toss every time”“Step with the opposite foot”“Firm hand, follow through to the target”
Common mistakes
- Toss drifts back over the head. Fix: Toss slightly in front of the hitting shoulder. Practise tosses without hitting.
- Swinging harder as you move back. Fix: Keep the swing smooth; use the step and the legs for extra distance.
➖ Make it easier
Start halfway between the attack line and the net.
➕ Make it harder
From each spot, aim at a target zone before stepping back.
When to move on
When you can serve in from behind the end line 8 times out of 10, move on to Target Serving.