The Century Drill

Tennis is a game of consistency. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget that fact because the sport’s highlight reels are filled with spectacular winners and low percentage shots. Watching two players engaged in long rally play may not be scintillating viewing, but it is how matches are won. Tennis players that fail to develop consistency lose. A lot.

The Century Drill is a cooperative rally between two players. The objective is to hit 100 consecutive balls within the confines of a large target. It is typically done hitting to the entirety of the singles court or half of a doubles court. It is harder than it looks. While the first 10 balls are relatively easy, the last 10 are completely pressure packed. There is nothing worse than getting very close and messing it up.

This consistency drill has many obvious progressions and variations. Two beginning players might start with mini tennis at the service line and initially shoot for a lower number of consecutive balls. For advanced rally play from the baseline, requiring all balls to bounce past the service line ramps up the difficulty. This drill can also be done against the ball machine or even against a backboard.

Tennis matches are won or lost on the basis of which player can simply put the ball in play more times than their opponent. Performing the Century Drill is a simple way to build that skill.