Machine Returns
Why this drill
Return-of-serve volume without needing a server: the machine delivers the same deep ball every eight seconds, and every one is a chance to practice the return-and-run that decides who owns the kitchen line.
Setup
Machine behind the opposite baseline (or as deep as its stand allows), set to a medium-pace feed landing in the back third of your service court — a serve, in effect. You in a return stance behind the baseline.
The drill
Return every feed high and deep — the percentage return — and follow each one in: run to the kitchen line, split step, hold one beat, then backpedal-turn and reset for the next feed. Score returns landing past mid-court, but a return you fail to follow to the line scores zero regardless. Sets of ten; two sets to the forehand, two to the backhand (shift your starting position), one set centered so you must choose a side early. Log the five scores.
One thought to take on court
Height is your friend — a high deep return travels while you do, and you both arrive on time.