Rally-and-recover relay

Purpose & setup

Coordinate alternate hitters while each player recovers through a clear outside route.

A starts behind the near-left baseline, B waits outside the near-right sideline and C feeds from behind the far baseline. A and B alternate hits; use one ball with a catch-and-feed pause between turns.

How to play

1. C gently feeds to A’s half. A returns centrally; C lets it bounce and catches it, ending this ball. A walks to the right waiting area using a route well behind the baseline.
2. Only after A is clear, B walks into the near-left hitting position. C waits until B is set before feeding the next ball.
3. B returns, C catches after a bounce and B follows the same outside recovery route while A re-enters. Stop if either hitter is not ready.
4. After eight near-side returns or an earlier miss, rest for 20 seconds. After three sequences rotate C → A, A → B, B → C; finish the current attempt at time.

Scoring or success

Count the alternating pair’s in-court returns, up to eight. A skipped turn or unsafe overlap ends the sequence without a penalty for stopping.

Rotation & roles

Alternate A/B on every near-side return, then rotate the solo rally partner after three sequences. Pause for 20 seconds between sequences.

Mixed levels

Give each hitter a suitable feed height and use the same unhurried rotation for all three.

Safety & spacing

Never cross in front of the active hitter. Use walking recovery behind the baseline, make the outside route wide and stop rather than racing the next ball.