The 21 Drill

By Mike Hall, February 16, 2026

This drill features 2 lines and players begin in the center with

David Bailey toggle steps and a split step. I call them Ali steps too.

The players are given a free point and begin with 15-love.

They play the first two balls cross court and the last down the side

and large targets are used to discourage wide errors.

They call out their score 30, 40, Game to put them in game mode

and to create shot tolerance. Without targets or scoring, players

tend to be 1/2 focused and spray the ball minus intention.

Players recover energetically after each shot and coach shows

the long contact zone by demonstrating 3-4 side shots while mentioning

that targets are placed to reduce fades which often tail away like

a wayward drive that fades into the rough in golf.

*** Options…have the next player in line mimic the side shots and then quickly recover

to begin their 21 series.

Have the forehand side compete with the bh side in a set beginning at 2 all.