Tap Up

Nice tap up!

Once your players are able to self-rally (tap ball into air, let bounce on ground, repeat), they are ready for Tap Up. Two players play inside a single service box. They rally with each other by tapping the ball up into the air. Ball must bounce each time, and must bounce within said service box. First to however many points you choose is the winner.

The purpose of this game is to create an awareness of the value of being able to move the ball away from the opponent. Note blocking out or otherwise interfering with the opposing player is not allowed.

Progressions
Easier: have players toss ball up and catch barehanded rather than using their racquets.
Harder: introduce the net into the equation - players play across the net from each other.