A line of cones divides the ad side from the service line to the baseline, both sides of the court.

The two players (A and B) are positioned on the baseline, deuce side, and opposite sides.

Tactical Purpose: to keep the ball deep into the opponent’s side and recognize the short ball to attack.

Drill:

Either one of the players (A or B) can begin the rally with a drop-and-hit. They will rally the ball cross-court and deep.

As soon as one of the players delivers the ball short (the ball lands inside the service line) into the opposite court, the opposing player will/should attack and send the ball down the line between the line of cones and singles sideline; the rally stops there.

Note: When players practice this drill they develop a “good eye” for the ball and learn to see it coming short based on the opponent’s body language, ball speed, and height over the net.