If you want a tennis warm up game that instantly increases rally reps, keeps students moving, and works for almost any skill level, Around the World is one of the best options for Middle School PE and High School PE.
This drill/game is simple: students rally, then immediately rotate to the opposite line. The result is a fast-paced activity that trains consistency, footwork, reaction time, and readiness—without students even realizing they’re doing a conditioning-style drill.
Want the Student Worksheet + Class Presentation Templates?
$9.99 $4.99
- Tennis Coach
- Presentation PDF
- Set up
- Variations
- Coach Tips
What is “Around the World” in Tennis?
Around the World is a classic tennis rally game where players hit one shot and then run to the other side of the court to join the back of the opposite line.
It’s popular in PE because it:
creates constant movement
reduces downtime
improves rally skills fast
scales easily for beginner to advanced groups
Equipment & setup (PE-friendly)
What you need
Racquets (or paddles if you’re adapting)
Tennis balls
Low-compression (red/orange/green) for beginners
Regular balls for intermediate/advanced
Cones or tape (optional, for zones/targets)
Group size
Works with 3 to 16 students per court (great for PE classes)
Court setup
Split students into two equal groups
Each group lines up behind the baseline on opposite sides
Give every student 3 lives (or use the no-elimination scoring version below)
How to play (rules)
Step 1: Start the rally
The teacher (or the first player in line) feeds the first ball to begin the rally.
Step 2: Hit and rotate
After a player hits the ball:
they sprint to the other side
join the end of the opposite line
get ready for their next turn quickly
Step 3: Lives system
A player loses 1 life if they:
hit into the net
hit out
miss the ball / arrive late
When a player loses all 3 lives, they’re eliminated (classic version).
Step 4: Finish the game
Continue until there are two players left.
Step 5: Final (optional)
The last two play a quick final:
best of 3 points (first to 2 wins)
Why this works so well in Middle & High School PE
High reps, low waiting
Students get lots of touches because the rotation is fast and predictable.
Footwork without “footwork drills”
Players are constantly forced to:
recover after hitting
move into space
reset quickly for the next ball
Builds “ready position” habits
Because they might be up again in seconds, students learn to stay alert instead of switching off.
Variations for Any Level
Beginner-friendly variations
Use these to improve rally length immediately:
Allow 2 bounces (especially in the first 2–3 minutes)
Play mini tennis (service boxes only)
Use low-compression balls (huge difference for PE)
Make it cooperative: “Let’s beat our rally record”
No-elimination scoring (best for PE)
If you don’t want students sitting out:
Everyone keeps 3 lives
When you cause the opponent to lose 1 life, you earn 1 point
Play to 10 points (or run it timed for 6–8 minutes)
This keeps the whole class involved the entire time.
Advanced / competitive variations
One bounce only
Backhand-only round
Target zones: score only if the ball lands in a marked area
No lobs to encourage driving and placement
Teacher Tips
Keep the pace high
Use a countdown after each rally: “3…2…1… next ball!”
The faster it runs, the more fun it is—and the more focused students stay.
Adjust for success, not perfection
If rallies keep dying:
switch to low-compression balls
shorten the court (service boxes)
allow two bounces temporarily
Your goal in PE is usually skill success + movement, not perfect mechanics.
Safety + organization
Have students rotate around the outside (behind the baseline) to avoid collisions
Keep lines spaced wide, not stacked closely
Call “Ready!” before feeding the next ball
FAQ
Is Around the World a tennis drill or a tennis game?
It’s both. It’s a tennis drill that feels like a game because of the movement, lives, and fast rotation.
What’s the best tennis warm up game for PE?
Around the World is one of the best because it’s quick to set up, easy to explain, and works for mixed-ability groups.
How do I teach tennis in PE with big classes?
Use high-rep formats like Around the World + low-compression balls + mini tennis courts, and add stations if needed.
Want the full pack?
This is Game #1 from my 10 Tennis Practice Games & Drills for PE (Middle School & High School) resource. If you want 10 plug-and-play tennis games with objectives, variations, and coaching tips—grab the full bundle on TPT.
$9.99 $4.99
- Tennis Coach
- Presentation PDF
- Set up
- Variations
- Coach Tips
