Down-the-Line to Crosscourt Starter Drill

This drill simulates the first few shots of a point, focusing on footwork, positioning, and transitioning into live play. Players practice responding to specific feeds before playing out the rally, reinforcing patterns commonly seen in match openings.

Setup

• Coach stands on one side of the court to serve or feed
• Two players positioned at the baseline, ready to rally

Rules & Objectives

• Coach feeds or serves to one player’s backhand side
• Player returns down the line with a controlled backhand
• Opponent then plays a short forehand crosscourt
• From this point, players play out the rally freely
• After several points, the coach alternates the starting side to ensure both players practice forehand and backhand openings

Repetition

• Play in sets of 5 points before switching feed directions
• Rotate players in if working with a larger group
• Progression: Vary the depth and speed of the coach’s feed to challenge reaction and positioning

Coaching Points

• Practices realistic game-opening patterns
• Reinforces movement into backhand and forehand corners
• Trains transition from structured feeds into live point play
• Improves consistency in handling the first shots of a rally

Drill Tutorial