2 players · Beginner · 12 min
Cooperative volley rally
Keep a soft volley exchange within easy reach.
Rackets + balls
2 players · Beginner · 12 minutes
Crosscourt rally challenge
Work together to keep a diagonal rally going.
- Equipment
- rackets, balls
- Space
- One tennis court with clear run-off space
- Suggested block
- 12 minutes; allow at least 6
Drill instructions
Purpose & setup
Work together to keep a diagonal rally going.
A stands near the near deuce corner and B near the opposite diagonal baseline corner. Use the diagonal halves of the singles court; begin nearer the service lines if needed.
How to play
- A drop-feeds gently crosscourt to B. Play after one bounce.
- Both send every ball back through the same diagonal, inside the singles sidelines.
- A net ball, out ball or second bounce ends the rally. Retrieve safely and reset.
- Alternate the feeder after each rally. Change to the other diagonal after five rallies. Finish the rally at the block end.
Scoring or success
Count consecutive legal rally shots together, excluding the feed. Try for five, then ten.
Rotation & roles
A and B swap feeding after each rally and mirror starting positions after five rallies.
Make it easier
Move closer and use a slower, comfortable ball speed.
Add a challenge
Use a smaller target while keeping the same rotation and scoring.
Mixed levels
Use a larger target for the less experienced player and a smaller one for the stronger player.
Safety & spacing
Keep spare balls and equipment outside playing routes. Call shared balls, leave room for swings and retrieve only after the ball is dead. Use a comfortable pace and stop rather than chasing into another player or court.
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.