Tennis Game: Cross Fire

How the game works

Set Up

One group of players lines up behind the baseline center (A, B, C) on one side; another group takes up position at the left corner of the baseline and singles side line (D, E, H) on the opposite side (see graphic above).
The coach (F) is on the same side as group A-B-C, just outside the doubles alley; he will feed balls only to the group D-E-H.

The Drill

The coach will feed a ball down the line to the first player in the group, D.
The player will run along the baseline and hit the ball cross-court to start the point.
At the same time, their opponent (A) will have to sprint to the corner of the right singles side line/baseline and touch it with the foot before they can play the point.
The two players play the point out. Each of them will score for their respective team.
If player A wins, they will stay for one more point; if they lose, the next player in line will take their spot.
Players in D’s group will each play one point at a time.
First team to win 9 points takes a game, then the teams switch sides to play again.

Variations

– the coach’s feed can be a moon ball (high over the net);
– for large groups, players can alternate hitting each ball, then making way for the next player.

This game is part of the Tennis Drills and Lesson Plans for Coaches program, with 900+ drills for 2, 3, 4 players, large groups, cardio, and match tactics.