Deep Crosscourt Return Challenge

This drill focuses on improving the return of serve by rewarding players for depth and consistency. By aiming returns crosscourt into the back half of the court, returners learn to keep their opponents pinned behind the baseline, reducing offensive opportunities. The point-based format motivates players to compete while reinforcing the importance of depth on returns.

Setup

• Players work in pairs (one server, one returner)
• Example pairs: Players 1 & 4, Players 2 & 3
• Standard singles court
• Divide the returner’s target area into the back half of the court beyond the service line

Rules & Objectives

• Server delivers the serve
• Returner attempts to return the ball crosscourt into the back half of the court
• Scoring:+1 point if the return lands crosscourt past the service line
• +1 point if the server double faults
• 0 points if the return lands short or misses
• Play 10 serves per round, keeping track of the returner’s score
• After 10 serves, switch roles and repeat
• At the end, compare scores to determine the winner

Repetition

• Deduct points (–1) for returns that are short or out to increase pressure
• Require servers to vary their serve types (flat, topspin, slice) for unpredictability
• For advanced players, restrict return placement to specific targets (e.g., wide or body)
• Increase to 15–20 serves per round for extended practice

Coaching Points

• Returners: train depth and accuracy on returns, keeping opponents pinned back
• Servers: practice consistency and variation to avoid predictability
• Both: develop tactical awareness of serve/return patterns
• Builds competitive mindset by adding a scoring system

Drill Tutorial