Drills: footwork
There are a lot of drills you can do to improve your footwork. We've got a few here that can help you make some tweaks. Let's go!
Being in the right position on the tennis court goes without saying. It's one of the keys to being a great player: knowing where to be at all times. Getting better at your footwork will go a long way in improving your game. There are a lot of drills you can do to improve your footwork. We've got a few here that can help you make some tweaks. Let's go!
Contents
Drill 1: around the cone
Goal: setting up / returning
Each player should place a cone at the centre of the court, one metre from the baseline.
Both players are partners and should hit the ball at a speed that lets them keep the ball in play as long as possible.
After each shot, the players have to run around the cone as fast as they can, taking small steps before going back to their starting position.
If the player hits a forehand shot, go around the right side of the cone (e.g. for right-handed players). If the player hits a backhand, go around the left side.
Do this drill for 10 minutes as fast as you can!
Drill 2: sideline rally.
Goal: precise footwork
Both players stand in front of each other in the sideline area with a cone placed one metre from the baseline in the centre of the sideline area.
Both players are partners and should try to keep the ball in play as long as possible in the sideline area.
After each shot, the players have to run around the cone as fast as possible taking small steps and return to their starting positions. NOTE: the rally ends if, when you go around the cone, you step outside the sideline area. Step as precisely as you can. The narrow width of the sideline area will force you to take small steps to get around the cone.
This is an exercise in precision that requires you to step in just the right place. If you are not in the right place, you may miss the ball and the rally will end. Pay close attention to where you place your feet and make adjustments as necessary.
Do this drill for 10 minutes as fast as you can!
Drill 3: sideline back-and-forth.
With your racket, go to the off-court area behind the baseline. Stand perpendicular to the net on the singles sideline.
When you're ready, take very small steps towards the net, then go back again taking small steps to the baseline. Stay low as you move. Do one back and forth.
You need to really work your legs to make the most of this exercise.
Do five back-and-forths.
These three drills are the perfect way to round off your training - and don't forget that with tennis, it's all about your footwork!
Simon Laloyaux
Author
I share tips from the Artengo team to help you up your game.
