Three-Shot Pattern Selection
Decision-Making
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Build tactical pattern fluency by training players to select and execute the correct third-shot option based on the outcome of the first two shots.
What you need
- tennis racket
- tennis balls
- court
- cones
Your focus
Most junior points are won or lost on the third shot, yet players rarely practice thinking three shots ahead. Structuring a drill around the conditional three-shot decision tree teaches proactive rather than reactive decision making. This accelerates tactical maturity beyond age-typical levels.
Coach feeds crosscourt; player hits crosscourt (shot 1). Coach returns deep (shot 2); player hits crosscourt again building the rally.
On the third feed, coach varies depth: if deep, player continues crosscourt; if short, player changes direction down-the-line.
Player must call their shot 3 selection aloud before hitting: 'Crosscourt!' or 'Line!' to reinforce deliberate decision making.
Score: one point for the correct call-and-execute, zero for correct shot without the call, minus one for wrong decision.
Goal
Success is executing the right third shot based on the first two, when you get the short ball you expect because you set it up, that's the drill working.
Helpful cues
- Think one shot ahead, not just this one!
- Short ball = change direction, deep ball = stay crosscourt!
- Call it before you hit it.
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Reduce to two-shot patterns (feed + response) with only one decision point to simplify the cognitive load.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Coach varies whether the third shot is the opportunity or the fourth, so the player must stay in decision-making mode for a longer sequence.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.