A good passing shot starts before your opponent reaches the net. You need to read the approach, choose a target, and stay balanced long enough to hit a controlled shot under pressure. The right tennis passing shot drills train all three skills—not just the swing.
Use the drills below to practice forehand and backhand passes, crosscourt angles, and lobs against a player who is moving forward. Start at a manageable pace, then add speed and uncertainty as your accuracy improves.
Passing Shot Basics to Practice
A passing shot is a groundstroke or lob that gets past an opponent at the net. The safest target is often crosscourt: the court is longer in that direction, and the net is lower in the middle. Go down the line when the net player leaves that side open or when you can make contact from a balanced position.
Before your opponent hits an approach shot, split-step and watch the ball. That gives you time to move into position rather than reaching at the last moment. Aim for a clear target—such as a crosscourt lane or a spot at the net player’s feet—instead of trying to hit a perfect winner on every pass.
1. Crosscourt Passing Shot Drill
Purpose: Build a reliable passing shot when the net player covers the middle or the line.
- Place one player on the baseline and a partner near the service line or inside the service box.
- The net player feeds or hits an approach shot to either side of the baseline player.
- The baseline player split-steps, moves behind the ball, and aims crosscourt past the net player.
- Play the point out after the pass so both players must respond to the shot.
Begin with cooperative feeds, then let the net player approach at a more realistic pace. The baseline player should favor a controlled, heavy shot over a flat swing. If the net player is closing quickly, aim lower over the net and toward the open crosscourt lane.
2. Down-the-Line Pass and Recovery
Purpose: Practice the higher-risk pass and prepare for the next ball if the opponent gets a racket on it.
Set up as in the crosscourt drill, but have the net player shade toward the middle. The baseline player hits down the line only when there is a clear opening. After contact, recover toward the center of the likely reply rather than watching the shot.
Keep the target inside the singles sideline, with extra room above the net. A pass that lands safely near the corner can be more effective than a sharper attempt that misses wide. Switch sides so you practice both forehand and backhand passes.
3. Two-Target Decision Drill
Purpose: Learn to read the net player instead of choosing a direction before the rally begins.
Place two cones or markers in safe target areas: one crosscourt and one down the line. The net player approaches and moves to cover one side. The baseline player must identify the open space and hit to the other target. Start with the net player signaling their position early; later, let them move naturally as they approach.
Keep score based on good decisions as well as winners. A well-placed ball that forces a difficult volley is a successful pass attempt, even if the opponent touches it. This drill helps prevent the common mistake of forcing a down-the-line shot into a covered lane.
4. Passing Shot Against a Live Approach
Purpose: Rehearse the full pattern under more match-like pressure.
The net player starts near the baseline, hits an approach shot, and follows it forward. The baseline player returns the approach with a pass, a lob, or a shot at the player’s feet. Play the point through to its end. Switch roles after five to eight points.
The net player should vary the approach direction and depth. A short, slow approach gives the defender more time; a deep approach makes passing harder. This variation teaches the baseline player to adjust instead of using the same swing and target every time.
5. Passing Lob and Groundstroke Choice
Purpose: Add the lob when the net player crowds the net.
Have the net player move forward aggressively. The baseline player chooses between a groundstroke pass and a lob based on the opponent’s position. Use a lob when the net player is tight to the net and there is room behind them. If they stay farther back, a firm groundstroke or shot at their feet is usually the better option.
For the lob, get underneath the ball and lift it with control. The goal is enough height and depth to make the opponent turn and retreat—not simply to hit the ball as high as possible. The net player should try to retreat and play the ball, so the drill includes a realistic response.
How to Progress Your Drills
- Start with predictable feeds: Focus on balance, contact point, and a clear target.
- Add movement: Feed to both sides so you must recover and adjust your feet.
- Make the choice uncertain: Let the net player cover either direction and vary their approach.
- Play out the point: This rewards smart placement and recovery, not just a clean winner.
- Track consistency: Count a pass as successful if it lands in a safe target area or forces a difficult volley.
Try short sets of six to ten attempts from each side. If most of your shots miss long or wide, slow the feed and use a larger target. Increase the pace only when you can stay balanced and make a purposeful choice.
Common Passing Shot Mistakes
- Swinging too hard: Power is less useful than direction and depth. Aim for a controlled shot that clears the net with margin.
- Choosing the target too early: Read the net player’s movement before committing to a lane.
- Standing still: Split-step as the opponent strikes, then move your feet to create space for the swing.
- Forgetting recovery: A pass can come back. Move toward a balanced position as soon as you hit.
- Ignoring the lob: If the opponent rushes close to the net, a well-judged lob can be a safer option than forcing a narrow gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best passing shot target?
Crosscourt is often the safer choice because the court is longer and the net is lower in the middle. Use the down-the-line pass when the opponent leaves that side open or when your position makes the shot comfortable.
How can I practice passing shots alone?
Use a ball machine or self-feed from the baseline and aim at crosscourt and down-the-line target zones. If you have a rebound net, practice moving into position and recovering after each shot. A partner is still helpful for learning to read a real approach.
Should I hit a passing shot or a lob?
Choose based on how close the net player is. A groundstroke pass or shot at the feet suits a player who is farther back. A lob can work when the opponent crowds the net and leaves space behind them.
How often should I practice passing shots?
Add a short block to regular practice, such as 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a week. Mix in live points so the drill reflects match timing and decision-making.
Final Thoughts
Strong passing shots come from quick recognition, steady footwork, and smart target selection. Practice crosscourt consistency first, then add the down-the-line pass, live approaches, and the lob. When the drills become unpredictable, you will be better prepared to handle an opponent who comes forward in a real match.
