Backhand Down the Line or Crosscourt? The Decision Rule
Quick answer
Crosscourt is your high-percentage default: the court is longer, the net is lower in the middle, and you recover naturally to the center. Go down the line to finish a short, high ball or to wrong-foot an opponent, not to start a neutral rally. Changing direction off a good, deep ball is how most players hand over free points.
Why crosscourt is the smart default
The crosscourt ball travels over the lowest part of the net and into the longest part of the court, so it has the most margin. It also pulls your opponent off the court while leaving you balanced near the middle. Down the line crosses the higher part of the net into a shorter court, and it sends you scrambling to cover the open side.
When to go down the line
- On a short, high ball you can attack, where you have time and a clear opening.
- To wrong-foot an opponent who is anticipating crosscourt and already leaning.
- To hit behind an opponent who commits early to recovering one way.
- As an approach, taking time away and following it to the net.
When to stay crosscourt
If the ball is deep, low, or you are on the move, stay crosscourt. Changing direction on a tough ball is low percentage because you are adding net height and court risk at the worst moment. The rule of thumb: change direction with the short ball, not the deep one. Fold this into your pre-match thinking with building a game plan.
The short version
Crosscourt by default for margin and recovery. Go down the line to finish a short ball, wrong-foot, or approach. Do not change direction off a deep, tough ball.
Frequently asked
Should I hit crosscourt or down the line?
Crosscourt is the higher-percentage default because the net is lower and the court is longer, and you recover to the middle. Go down the line to finish a short ball, wrong-foot an opponent, or approach the net.
Why do I miss when I go down the line?
Down the line crosses a higher part of the net into a shorter court, so it has less margin. Players also tend to attempt it off deep, tough balls. Save it for short balls where you have time and an opening.
What is the rule for changing direction in tennis?
Change direction on the short ball, not the deep one. Hitting down the line off a difficult deep ball is low percentage. Off a short, high ball you have the time and angle to do it safely.
Sources and further reading
Written by
Bolor Enkhbayar
Tennis coach and founder of CoachesNote
Bolor coaches serious juniors and adult competitors. She builds every weekly plan, reviews the video and match notes, and decides the next job, in person and remotely through CoachesNote.
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