The Side Pocket Contest is pretty simple. Line the players up behind the center mark on the baseline and feed the ball alternately to the left and right so that the ball will be hit at a depth around halfway between the baseline and service line. Each player runs to the ball, attempts a side pocket shot, and returns to the back of the line. If you have an odd number of players, they will naturally alternate directions; otherwise, switch everyone's direction halfway through the drill. Run the drill for a set number of feeds or until someone has gotten a set number of successful side pocket shots.
Difficulties: Let the players know that the side pocket shot can be difficult at first, even for players who are otherwise quite strong. Most of them will improve noticeably during the course of the drill. If half of the players will be hitting backhands until the mid-drill switch, let them know that the backhand side is generally more difficult, and they'll have a good chance to catch up when they switch to forehands. Encourage topspin, but don't require it.
