Hit-and-Catch Agility Drill

This drill combines groundstroke practice with agility and coordination work. Players hit a forehand or backhand, then immediately recover by shuffling across the court to catch a second ball. The sequence reinforces stroke mechanics, quick footwork, and recovery habits while keeping the player active and engaged.

Setup

• One player starts at the baseline
• Coach stands at the service line or just in front of the player with a basket of balls
• Optional: Place targets on the court for accuracy

Rules & Objectives

• Coach tosses a ball to the player’s forehand side
• Player hits the forehand either crosscourt or down the line
• As soon as contact is made, the coach tosses a second ball to the opposite side
• Player shuffles quickly, catches the ball with the non-dominant hand, and tosses it back to the coach
• Coach immediately feeds another ball wide to the forehand or backhand side
• Sequence repeats with continuous alternation between hitting and catching
• Run the drill on both forehand and backhand sides

Repetition

• Vary feeds (high, low, or wide) to challenge movement and preparation
• Require specific shot directions (crosscourt or down the line)
• Increase intensity by reducing recovery time between tosses

Coaching Points

• Reinforces early racket preparation before each shot
• Improves agility and side-to-side court movement
• Builds coordination through hitting and catching sequences
• Trains recovery habits after every shot

Drill Tutorial