Looking to build more consistency in your shots? Drilling is key—but not just any drilling. Drilling with intention and using realistic setups can elevate your game in ways casual hitting never will. One of the most effective and engaging ways to do this? Three-player drills. Listen to these tips from Pro player Bobbi Oshiro.

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Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just getting serious about improving, incorporating multi-player drills will challenge your decision-making, timing, and court awareness.

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2-on-1 at the Kitchen Line: A Realistic Challenge

This is one of my favorite drills for developing consistency under pressure. It replicates real-game scenarios and keeps all three players actively working on key skills.

Drill Setup:

• Player A is alone on one side of the net at the non-volley zone (NVZ)
  
• Players B and C are on the opposite side, also at the NVZ.
  
  

How It Works:

• Player A is on offense, looking for moments to speed up the ball—ideally down the line to a specific target.
  
• Players B and C are working together on soft dinks, keeping Player A on the move.
  
• B and C must communicate effectively to determine who takes each ball and adjust positioning as the rally evolves.
  
• Player B focuses on anticipating the speed-up and countering quickly.
  
• Player C is responsible for covering the middle, a crucial zone during fast-paced exchanges.
  
  

Why This Drill Works

This isn’t just about hitting balls back and forth—it’s about game-like repetition.

• For Player A: It’s an opportunity to practice patience, pick smart speed-up moments, and work on precision targeting under pressure.
  
• For Players B and C: It builds chemistry, footwork, and communication, all while refining dink control and defensive positioning.
  
  

By drilling with three players, you introduce more movement, more strategy, and more realism. And that’s what translates to better performance in real matches.

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Final Tip:

‍Don’t just drill to get reps—drill with purpose. Pick a focus for each session and push yourself (and your drilling partners) to replicate match situations as closely as possible.

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Ready to level up your consistency? Grab two friends, hit the courts, and try this 2-on-1 drill next time you train.

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