Monkey in the Middle

Monkey in the Middle is another playground game that works great for tennis activities. It is easily adaptable for all levels. Minimum 3 players or 2 players and coach.

Progression
Easiest
Young beginners, foam or red ball - have them working on their underhand tossing and catching skills. Tossing/catching players are across the net from each other no further back than service line; Monkey is near the net. Players must avoid Monkey. Work on proper tossing and ball tracking techniques (step with opposite foot, release toward target). Catcher must catch in air or after one bounce only.

Harder
Play with racquets instead of tossing; begin with a bounce feed. Helps develop lob and passing shots.

Any time the Monkey makes a play on the ball, the player responsible for hitting that ball to the Monkey is the new Monkey.