PLAY THIS VIDEO TO LEARN HOW TO DO THE FOREHAND AND BACKHAND CROSS COURT DRILL
The students have learned both the forehand and backhand straight drives. Now it’s time to learn about the cross court. Divide the net in half with the red cord (included in the pack for the net, see photos for how to place it) down the center of the net as a target.
- CROSS COURT DRILL:
Two students demonstrate. Player A stands on the backhand side of the court, while Player B stands on the forehand. - Player A begins with a mini serve and hits the ball across the court to Player B. If the serve is too difficult right now, the students can bounce or throw the ball to begin the workout.
- Player A returns the ball crosscourt to Player B and repeats the drill.
- If in a pair, change sides whenever the rally breaks down.
- If in a group, rotate to the left. The student on the forehand transitions to the backhand, the student on the backhand exits to wait, and a new student enters the forehand.
- SIMPLE TECHNICAL POINTS FOR CROSS COURTS:
The cross court swing is similar to the straight forehand and backhand drives, except that the ball is taken earlier/further forward diagonally in front of the body. - The swing follow-through should finish where you want the ball to go. Remember to keep the follow through brief to stay safe in the gym area.
- If the cross court is wide, the opponent will struggle to reach it and will twist and turn.
