Consistent Crosscourts
Posted on Dec 16, 2007 under Drills |This game should teach players that crosscourt shots mean less running and more points. (Be sure to ask your players if they realize this to be true!)
#1 starts the first 5 points and feeds only crosscourts. #2 only hits down the lines. The pattern continues. If the ball lands in front of the service line, the returning player is allowed to approach the net, and the pattern stays the same.
After 5 points, #2 starts 5 consecutive points and feeds only crosscourts to #1. #1 only hits down the lines. The pattern changes every five points until one player reaches 21 points.
The above pattern shows #1 hitting only crosscourt while #2 hits down the line. Note that #1 and #2 are moving constantly to return their opponent’s shots, but #2 has to run further to reach each ball.
Variations:
To be sure that players learn control, allow the point to start only after #1 and #2 have each hit times. On windy or sunny days, switch sides of the court after 11 points.