Call the direction

Read a simple external cue and choose the correct broad groundstroke target.

Cooperative drill · Down the line · Crosscourt · Minimum 5 minutes

Equipment: rackets, balls
Space: One tennis court with clear run-off space
Suggested block: 10 minutes; allow at least 5

Drill instructions

● Letter = player → Ball ⇢ Movement T = targetB feeds A at the near-right corner. Off-court caller C chooses line to far-right T1 or cross to far-left T2. Two outgoing arrows show alternatives for one shot, not a required two-ball sequence.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Read a simple external cue and choose the correct broad groundstroke target.

A starts behind the near-right baseline and B behind the far baseline with one ball. C stands safely outside the near sideline, observing and calling either “line” or “cross”.

How to play

B gently feeds to A’s near-right groundstroke area. As the ball crosses the net, C calls “line” or “cross”.
A plays after one bounce towards the called far backcourt half: right for line, left for cross.
End on A’s shot’s first bounce. C confirms the chosen direction; nobody runs after a live ball.
After six feeds rotate A → B, B → C, C → A. Mirror A’s corner after a full role cycle; finish the current attempt at time.

Scoring or success

One point for choosing the called half and one for landing inside that half. Count out of twelve, separating decision from accuracy.

Rotation & roles

Six feeds per role. The caller rests physically and supplies the decision cue; everyone takes that role.

Make it easier

C calls before B feeds so A has more preparation time.

Add a challenge

C calls just after the feed bounces, provided A still has comfortable reaction time.

Mixed levels

Give the less experienced hitter an earlier cue and larger target, retaining the same feed count.

Safety & spacing

C stays beyond the sideline with enough swing clearance. B keeps feeds comfortable and nobody deliberately wrong-foots a player beyond safe reach.

Follow the illustrated instructions. No video has been published for this activity.

Sources & editorial status

Editorial review needed: original practice rules and diagram, not coach-approved. These are optional practice rules, not official competition rules. References support general tennis guidance; they do not endorse this format.

USTA: Tennis tips and instruction — General coaching reference; does not validate these custom games.
LTA: Improve your game — General learning resource; custom rotations and scoring require review.