Every baseline shot involves a decision about direction. The basic rule is simple, and most good players follow it: rally crosscourt, change direction down the line when you have a good reason.
Why crosscourt is the default
A crosscourt shot travels over the lowest part of the net (the center) and has the longest court to land in, diagonally. That gives you more margin for error. It also keeps you in a good position: after hitting crosscourt, you only need a few steps to cover your opponent’s best replies.
Crosscourt rallies are about patience. Hit deep, with topspin, and wait for a shorter or weaker ball.
When to go down the line
Down the line is a shorter shot over a higher part of the net, so it is riskier. It also leaves you more exposed, because your opponent can answer crosscourt into the open court. Change direction when:
- the ball is short or slow enough to be attacked;
- you are balanced and inside the court;
- your opponent is out of position, leaving the line open;
- you want to approach the net (approaches are often hit down the line).
Changing direction off a fast, deep ball while moving is one of the most common sources of unforced errors at club level.
Inside-out and inside-in
When you run around your backhand to hit a forehand, the crosscourt shot is called inside-out and the line shot inside-in. The inside-out forehand to your opponent’s backhand is a powerful pattern; the inside-in is a riskier winner attempt. More in how to hit a more powerful forehand.
Practicing direction changes
- crosscourt rallies on half court, forehand to forehand, then backhand to backhand;
- “change on the short ball”: rally crosscourt until one player gets a short ball, then that player goes down the line and the point is open;
- target zones deep in each corner.
Choosing direction is part of a wider game plan; our guide to tennis strategy puts these patterns together, and consistency and control helps you keep the ball in during long rallies.
