Lee Drew is back in front of the camera for us this week, bringing with him his extensive experience as an elite coach, professional referee consultant, and PSA TV co-commentator. He’s put together an excellent new series for us, taking an in-depth look at all things relating to hitting cross-court.
Lee was a top-class player in his day, establishing himself in the top 50 of the PSA world rankings for number of years. This playing experience, along with all the other knowledge he brings with him from the other aspects of the sport he operates within, makes him someone well worth listening to in your quest to improve your game.
The cross-court is often seen as the ‘easy option’ in a rally, with rudimentary cross-court hacks a common sight in the amateur game. There is far more subtlety within hitting cross-court at higher levels of the game however, and Lee offers us a great guide to these elements in this deep and fascinating 14 video series.
The playlist explores the foundations of the cross-court and how best to use it within the context of the game. Starting with the basics, the playlist moves on to examine more advanced cross-court variations focusing on different combinations of height, width, and length. Discover more in this series about how to properly utilise the cross-court from different areas of the court, and how best to use it to build pressure and create opportunities to win rallies.
The aim of this blog is to give you some ideas of drills and practices you can use to start exploring the key fundamentals of the cross-court and help you more effectively use the shot in your matches. As well as Lee’s expert guidance, the playlist also features lots of great examples from elite players, showing how the best in the world use the cross-court at the highest level.
We’ve put together a selection of brand new solo and pairs sessions for you to try, built around the main technical points that Lee discusses. Watch through the videos from the playlist and then click through the links to the sessions below to check them out, and discover how better utilising the cross-court options in your matches can really add an extra dimension to your shot-making arsenal.
Put it into practice
This session consists of a selection of solo drills to practise on-court, to hone the fundamentals of your cross-court.
This pairs session contains a number of pairs drills and conditioned games to practise, to help you better utilise your cross-court options as discussed by Lee in the playlist.
Being strong and stable in your shot will aid your control of the ball, and help you be better able to put your cross-court shots into areas of the court that will trouble your opponent. Check out this challenging physical session to help build those physical foundations
Related content
Hitting cross-court with Jethro Binns
Jethro explains how to switch the play cross-court from all areas of the court. He starts by discussing how to attack and defend with cross courts, and how they can be used to great effect in the amateur game.
How to hit forehand cross-court nick with L.J.
In this playlist, L.J. Anjema introduces how to hit forehand cross-court nick.
How to hit backhand cross-court Nick with L.J.
In this playlist, L.J. Anjema introduces how to hit backhand cross-court nick.
Let us know how you get on with the sessions, we’d love to hear your feedback!
Haven't seen the full series yet?
Learn how to add variety to your serve, keeping your opponent guessing putting them under pressure so that you can take control from the first shot!
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