Sideline Accuracy Challenge

When players move from youth programs to high school tennis, they need stronger accuracy and point-construction skills to stay competitive. This drill trains players to keep the ball within designated target zones, rewarding precision and consistency over careless hitting. By restricting play to narrow lanes, players learn how to build a rally with controlled groundstrokes. The competitive element—where only one player can earn points after a mistake—adds pressure and game-like intensity. Practicing this drill regularly helps players sharpen accuracy, develop rhythm, and improve decision-making during rallies.

Setup

• Place cones or markers to create two narrow zones along the singles sidelines
• Two players position themselves to rally from the baseline
• The coach stands ready to feed the first ball

Rules & Objectives

• The coach feeds the first ball to start the rally
• Players must keep all shots inside the designated wide-court lanes between the singles sideline and the marker
• If a player hits a ball into the middle section (outside the zones), only the opponent can score on that rally
• Example: If Player A misses into the middle, only Player B is eligible to win the point; Player A can only keep the rally going to prevent B from scoring
• The rally continues until the point is won or an error is made
• Players reset for the next feed

Repetition

• Run the drill for 10–15 minutes
• Adjust the width of the lanes to match skill level—make zones narrower for advanced players or wider for developing players

Coaching Points

• Builds groundstroke accuracy and control
• Teaches players how to construct points strategically
• Adds game-like pressure by allowing only one player to earn points after a mistake

Drill Tutorial