In this dynamic 3-on-3 game, the tennis court is transformed into a tactical throwing field. Two teams face each other across the entire tennis court and throw the ball backwards overhead into the opponent’s half. The ball may bounce once – or be caught directly out of the air. Then you have to react quickly, catch it, coordinate and throw it back overhead again.
The game is played exclusively with throws – no strokes, no rackets, but lots of movement, reaction and team communication!
This is how it works:
Two teams of three players each play against each other on a tennis court. The ball may bounce once per team move – after which it must be caught. The ball is only thrown overhead and backwards. The goal is to place the ball so that the other team does not reach it in time. Scoring: Errors due to out, double bounce or misunderstandings.
Learning objectives:
- Teamwork & communication: agreements and role allocation are crucial.
- Coordination & backward orientation: The overhead back throw trains unusual movement patterns.
- Anticipation & field awareness: Players learn to recognize spaces and make targeted use of them.
- Reaction & catching: The change from observation to action is practiced intensively.
Coaching Keys:
- Use soft, easy-to-grip balls (e.g. softballs).
- Make sure the rules are clear: only throw overhead, only one bounce allowed.
- Mark the zones, if necessary with a “no-go zone” at the net for safety.
- Encourage loud communication within the team: “I’ve got it!”, “Yours!”.
Variants:
smaller field, fewer jumps, time limit per action.