Crosscourt Serve-and-Volley Drill

This drill develops both serving accuracy and net play by requiring players to follow their serve into the net in a crosscourt-only game. By limiting play to half the court, players must focus on placement, quick movement forward, and sharp volleys under pressure. The competitive scoring keeps players engaged while reinforcing the serve-and-volley strategy.

Setup

• Two players
• Standard court divided into crosscourt half-court zones (deuce side first)
• Balls and racquets

Rules & Objectives

• Player 1 serves crosscourt from the deuce side to the opposite deuce service box
• After serving, Player 1 must immediately move forward to the net
• Player 2 returns crosscourt and may choose to stay back or approach the net
• Players play out the point crosscourt only, staying within the half-court
• Play to 11 points, then switch to the ad side and repeat the drill
• Switch roles so each player serves and returns

Repetition

• Play multiple games to 11 with alternating serve/return roles
• Require both players to serve-and-volley for added challenge
• Add variations: first serve only, second serve only, or alternating serve types
• Increase intensity by playing sudden-death points (first to win rally)

Coaching Points

• Builds serving accuracy under crosscourt pressure
• Reinforces serve-and-volley movement and net positioning
• Sharpens return accuracy by restricting play to half-court
• Adds competition and motivation through scoring

Drill Tutorial