Tennis Tactics

Inside-Out Forehand Pattern

Tennis drill for tactics training sessions

Trains the dominant inside-out forehand pattern to control rallies from the backhand corner.

25 minDuration
2 playersGroup size
AdvancedDifficulty
Full courtSpace needed
Balls, racketsEquipment

What This Drill Improves

This tennis drill is best for advanced players who need focused work on tactics. It works well with 2 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.

Setup

Feeder/opponent hits to backhand corner. Player runs around and hits inside-out.

Instructions

  1. Ball fed to backhand side.
  2. Player runs around and hits forehand inside-out to opponent's backhand.
  3. Recover behind centre after each shot.
  4. 10 reps then live points.

Coaching Points

✓ Wide step with right foot to load the forehand.
✓ Recover to centre — not to the ball.
✓ Disguise: same swing for DTL option.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
  • The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
  • Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.

Progressions: Make It Harder

→ Opponent defends and plays the next ball — live.
→ Call inside-out or inside-in before each hit.
→ Competition: score based on winning rallies using the pattern.

Regressions: Make It Easier

Reduce the number of defenders or make pressure passive for the first few rounds.
Increase the playing space so players have more time to make decisions.

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forehand inside-out tactics advanced
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