What is Serve +1?
Serve +1 is a feature that allows you to simulate real match scenarios by practicing your serve followed by your first shot after the return — also known as the “+1.” This is one of the most important sequences, where the server looks to take control of the point right after the serve.
(Platform Tennis players only): Serve and Volley is the same as Serve + 1, however for platform tennis, you are supposed to transition to the net after you serve to hit a serve in matchplay.
Why Use It?
Practicing Serve +1 (Serve and Volley) helps you:
Improve court positioning after your serve
Practice attacking or neutralizing common return locations
Build muscle memory for key point-starting patterns
Develop consistency under pressure
How to Use the Serve +1 (Serve and Volley) Feature
Open the Volley App
Make sure your Trainer is connected and powered on.
Select a Serve +1 Drill
Go to Games
Search for Serve +1
Choose “Adjust the workout” to choose the level of difficulty and Delay Rate
Easy
Medium
Hard
Position the Trainer
Place the front axle of the Trainer on the baseline in between the single side line and the center T (on the side you desire to serve to).
Start the Drill
Choose the +1 shots that you’d like to work on.
If you choose multiple + 1 shots, the Trainer will feed them in sequence, one after each serve. This allows you to practice a variety of first-shot patterns within a single drill.
Get in the area of interest (baseline, cross-court of the Trainer.) Hit your serve (Volley doesn’t launch the serve).
The Trainer will feed a simulated return to the preset location (based on the drill you selected).
Hit your +1 shot and repeat!
Understanding the Billboard Icons
During the workout, the Trainer's onboard screen (billboard) uses icons to communicate with you. Here's what each one means:
Icon | Meaning |
[Green arrows icon] | Player detected, but not in position |
[Green hourglass icon] | Player detected and in position |
[SERVE icon] | Player in position and ready — you may serve |
[TIME icon] | No player detected; workout timed out |
[Red “no player” icon] | No player detected at all |
[Red double-person icon] | Too many players on court — only one allowed |
Pro Tips
You can adjust feed speed and delay to make the drill more realistic.
Mix up +1 patterns to practice variety: forehand inside-out, backhand crosscourt, etc.
Record yourself using Video Capture to analyze timing and footwork.
Reminder:
Serve +1 is all about rhythm and readiness. Don't rush. Focus on transitioning smoothly from your serve into your first groundstroke.