How to Hit Sharp Cross Court Angles in Tennis

You might never be able to rip a tennis ball back at your opponent with the kind of speed generated by someone like Roger Federer or Serena Williams, but learning to hit sharp cross-court angles is guaranteed to boost your game. While it might look easy when you see a pro do it, the cross-court shot requires good footwork, hitting with topspin and setting up early. This kind of shot must be struck inside the baseline, preferably fairly close to the net. The angle will be sharpest the farther from the center of the court that the ball is hit.

Things You'll Need

  • Tennis racket
  • Tennis balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Anticipate where the ball is going to fall on your side of the court and start moving toward that spot.

    • 2

      Take quick strides to get to the ball, but shorten your steps as you get close. You want to be in position to be steady before hitting the ball as it rises from the bounce.

    • 3

      Turn so that your shoulders are perpendicular to the net and put all of your weight on your back foot.

    • 4

      Pull the racket back behind you and level with your waist or below.

    • 5

      Transfer your weight to your front foot as you swing.

    • 6

      Bring the racket up and through the ball--don't level off when you make contact. You want the racket to continue up and finish high, even coming back over your shoulder if you can. This will generate the power and topspin you need for the ball to be driven at a sharp angle and stay in the court.