Crosscourt & Down-the-Line Rally

This drill builds consistency, depth, and directional control by pairing players into two simultaneous rallies—one pair hitting crosscourt and the other down the line. The restriction of using doubles alleys forces accuracy and footwork discipline, while adding competitive scoring based on rally length keeps players engaged. It’s an excellent way for four players to work on core rally patterns while emphasizing depth and control beyond the service line.

Setup

• Four players (two per side)
• Each pair rallies within their designated alley:
• Pair 1: Crosscourt only (using doubles alleys)
• Pair 2: Crosscourt only (using doubles alleys on the opposite side)
• Two balls in play simultaneously (one per pair)
• Targets: depth beyond the service line

Rules & Objectives

• Pair 1 rallies crosscourt only, keeping the ball within the doubles alley zone
• Pair 2 rallies crosscourt on the other side, also within the doubles alley
• Focus on hitting with depth (shots should land past the service line)
• Count rally length: pairs aim for 10, 15, or 20 consecutive shots
• Each time a pair reaches the goal rally length, they score a point
• Rotate pairs after a set time or number of rounds
• Variation: switch to down-the-line rallies, still restricted to doubles alleys
• Advanced variation: one player per side goes crosscourt while the other goes down the line, sharing a single ball

Repetition

• Increase rally length goals (e.g., from 10 to 20 shots)
• Alternate between crosscourt and down-the-line rallies
• Use scoring competitions between pairs (highest rally count wins)
• Add restrictions such as “forehands only” or “backhands only
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Coaching Points

• Reinforces consistency in crosscourt and down-the-line patterns
• Builds depth control to push opponents past the service line
• Improves directional accuracy under pressure
• Enhances footwork and anticipation by repeating core rally patterns
• Adds a competitive element for motivation

Drill Tutorial