Crosscourt Control to Open Play Drill

This drill develops consistency and discipline in singles rallies by requiring players to establish control with crosscourt exchanges before opening up the point. The structure forces players to practice accuracy, patience, and footwork in crosscourt patterns, while also training the ability to transition into full-court play at the right time. By combining structured hitting with competitive point play, the drill builds match awareness and tactical sharpness.

Setup

• Two players begin on opposite baselines, both on the same side of the court (e.g., ad side vs. ad side)
• The coach feeds the first ball to start the rally
• Additional players may wait on the sideline to rotate in after each point

Rules & Objectives

• Players rally crosscourt for four consecutive shots
• After the fourth crosscourt exchange, the point becomes live
• At this stage, either player can redirect the ball down the line or to any area of the court
• The rally continues until the point is decided
• Players switch sides and repeat the sequence

Repetition

• Play to a set number of points (e.g., first to 5)
• Winners of each round may rotate to play other winners, while other players do the same
• Alternate starting sides (deuce and ad) to balance practice

Coaching Points

• Reinforces consistency in crosscourt groundstrokes
• Builds patience and discipline before attempting attacking shots
• Trains tactical awareness for when to change direction
• Simulates realistic singles point construction

Drill Tutorial