Down-the-Line Consistency Game

This group drill trains baseline consistency, patience, and rhythm by limiting play to down-the-line rallies. Players focus on sustaining groundstrokes within narrow court boundaries, reinforcing accuracy and decision-making under restricted conditions.

Setup

• Players pair up on one side of the court
• Play restricted to down-the-line rallies in half the singles court
• Use underhand feeds to start each point

Rules & Objectives

• Players rally down the line, keeping all shots within the designated half-court
• No drop shots or volleys allowed at the start—focus strictly on groundstrokes
• Each rally is played out as a point after the feed
• Winners from each pair play other winners; losers play other losers
• Play in rounds of about 5 minutes each

Repetition

• Easier: Allow rallies in both singles and doubles alleys at first
• Harder: Restrict play to only the singles court half
• Advanced: Allow drop shots and volleys after players establish baseline consistency

Coaching Points

• Builds accuracy and control in down-the-line groundstrokes
• Reinforces patience and tactical point construction
• Trains rhythm in rallies with limited open space
• Creates competitive but structured group play

Drill Tutorial