Forehand vs. Backhand Doubles Drill

This drill challenges doubles teams to rally while restricted to only forehands or only backhands. The restriction forces players to focus on positioning, anticipation, and shot selection, while also encouraging creative strategies to pressure opponents. By making players think beyond the current shot, this drill promotes tactical awareness and teamwork. It also helps players sharpen consistency on one side of their game while improving court communication.

Setup

• Two doubles teams start at the baseline
• One team is restricted to using forehands only, while the other team may only use backhands
• The rally begins with an underhand feed, or optionally with a full serve as a progression

Rules & Objectives

• Teams rally while following their shot restrictions (forehands only vs. backhands only)
• If a player uses the wrong stroke or misses the ball, the opposing team wins the point
• Players are encouraged to hit shots that draw opponents forward, since it is more difficult to stick to a single stroke at the net
• Points continue under these restrictions, with players communicating and coordinating as a team

Repetition

• Play multiple points, rotating teams if more than four players are available
• Add a competitive scoring system to simulate match play
• Progress by starting points with a proper serve instead of a feed
• Allow variations, such as requiring both teams to start in a standard doubles formation

Coaching Points

• Sharpens forehand or backhand consistency under pressure
• Improves positioning and anticipation
• Encourages creative strategies to exploit opponents’ weaknesses
• Builds teamwork, communication, and doubles tactics

Drill Tutorial