A quick practice game
to practice changing direction in a groundstroke rally.
Player one (in blue)
can only hit the ball cross-court. Player two (in orange) must hit
the ball cross-cout for a minimum of two shots (not including the
feed) and then has the choice to hit the ball cross-court or down the
line.
When Player 2 hits the
down the line- the point becomes active. Any winners or mistakes
before this point do not count to the score. However if Player 2
misses the down the line, they lose the point. After Player 2 has
gone DTL the court is open and point commences as a normal singles
point (Fig.2). Play to 7 points per set, and change who is Player 1
and Player 2 per set.
Things to think about
Player 2 should look to
change direction on a ball that is comfortable for his/her hitting
zone. They don't have to win the point outright on the first down the
line but instead can work their opponent out of position. Player 1 is
looking to only be solid in the opening exchanges and then invariably
will be defending and trying to push the point back to at least a
neutral position after Player 2 changes direction.
Variations
Change to
the backhand side. Change the amount of balls that Player 2 has to
hit crosscourt before changing direction.
Purpose
To practice picking the correct ball to change direction on (Player 2), improve
consistency in cross-court exchanges and court coverage (Player 1) to
defend the DTL ball.
