Skinny Singles
Why this drill
Half-court singles turns two players into a full competitive doubles simulation: every serve, return, drop, and kitchen exchange happens at game intensity, but you only ever cover your half. The best two-player approximation of real doubles pressure.
Setup
Full court, but only the two right-side (even) halves are in — or play cross-court halves so both of you cover the diagonal. Decide which version before you start; the sideline-to-centerline boundary is the only extra rule.
The drill
Play games to 11 with normal serving rules, rally scoring to keep both players hitting. Everything outside your agreed half is out. Play one game straight-ahead halves, one game cross-court halves. Because the court is narrow, points are won the way doubles points are won: a deep return, a good drop, and patient kitchen play — not a winner from the baseline. Track how often you reach the kitchen line before the point ends; that number predicts your doubles results.
One thought to take on court
Play the point you would play in doubles — the narrow court is there to reward it.