Tennis Footwork Drills: 5 Drills to Level Up Your Tennis

You know what makes a tennis player fast? (Apart from their legs…)

Consistently good footwork.

The truth is, no-one is born to naturally have good tennis footwork. another truth is, no-one likes to improve their footwork and you can tell

By learning how to move around the court properly, you are giving yourself a one-up on every tennis player that doesn’t want to do tennis footwork drills. (Trust me, there’s a lot of them)

In this post, I’ll share some of my favourite tennis footwork drills that have helped me glide across the court an win more points. Make sure you’re wearing your tennis specific shoes to make sure that these drills will add a spring to your step and a strategic edge to your game.

Why Learning Tennis Footwork Drills are Important

If you’ve ever watched the greats of tennis glide across the court, you know that footwork is more than just a skill – it’s an art.

The best tennis footwork drills are not just about moving quickly; they’re about moving smartly. As a passionate player myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how mastering footwork can elevate your game from good to exceptional. It’s the foundation upon which all your shots are built, the silent partner in every winning stroke.

Good footwork improves your balance, increases your agility, and allows you to position yourself optimally for every shot or serve you need to return. It’s like having a strategic conversation with the court – each step, a word; each movement, a sentence. In the following sections, I’ll share some of the most effective drills that have not only improved my game but also brought a new level of enjoyment to my practice sessions.

Remember, in tennis, your feet are your first responders – train them well, and they’ll never let you down.

5 Drills to Level Up Your Tennis Footwork

Drill 1: X-Drill

The X-Drill is a cornerstone in tennis footwork, designed to sharpen your on-court movement, making you a maestro in switching between offensive and defensive plays. As tennis players, we know the game is as much about agility and speed as it is about hitting the ball.

This drill is a dynamic movement exercise that enhances your multi-directional step, a vital aspect of tennis training.

Here’s how it works: Imagine the court as an ‘X’, with you at the center. The goal is to always reposition at the center after each forehand or backhand. This isn’t just about getting back to the middle; it’s about preparing for the split step and being in the prime position for your next move. It trains you to be a tennis movement expert, always ready, always alert.

Staying on your toes is crucial in this drill. It’s not just a physical stance; it’s a mindset. By staying light and anticipatory, you’re ready for explosive movement, darting across the court to meet the ball wherever it challenges you.

Balance is your silent partner in this dance. As you move through the drill, focus on your balance, especially when moving backwards. It’s about feeling comfortable in your stance, ready to deliver a controlled, deep shot.

Lastly, keep your weight on the front foot. This isn’t just about power; it’s about precision. By adjusting your stance with small, quick steps, you’re always ready to step into your shot, keeping the ball deep and your opponent on their toes.

The X-Drill is more than just a tennis drill; it’s a testament to the art of tennis movement, teaching you to be as graceful as you are strategic.

Drill 2: Net Cover

Let’s break down the drill: The journey to a strong net game begins at the baseline. Here, you attack the net, stepping into the ball to swiftly move inside the service box. Maintaining a closed stance is key; it gives you control over the ball and keeps you poised for your next volley.

The split step is the heart of this drill. As you approach the net, the split step readies you to be reactive, agile, and prepared for whatever comes your way. It’s the moment where anticipation meets action.

Now, the feeder should feed a ball to the right and left of you at random, forcing you to cover the net and recover back to the middle with good footwork.

After two repetitions of the previous steps, the feeder should feed a smash. Here, your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your body weight shifts forward, channelling power and precision into your shot. This is where all the elements of the drill converge – control, agility, and power – culminating in a powerful smash that can turn the tide of the game.

Drill 3: Suicide Runs

Suicide runs – the name might sound daunting, but this drill is a game-changer for tennis players seeking to enhance their footwork and on-court movement. This drill is a perfect blend of speed and precision, a true test of dynamic movement and multi-directional stepping.

Here’s how it unfolds: Starting from the leftmost doubles line, you sprint across the court, your goal being to touch each line with your hand. But it’s not just about reaching the line; it’s about how you get there and back. Precision is key – overstepping is not an option. Each touch is a commitment to accuracy, a testament to your control.

The real challenge, and the heart of this drill, is the need to slide across the court. This isn’t just for show; it’s a practical technique to get low quickly, touch the line, and change direction. The slide is an essential skill in tennis, allowing for rapid shifts in movement while maintaining balance and readiness.

As you sprint back to the starting line, preparing to dash to the next, you’re not just training your body; you’re training your mind. This drill demands focus, endurance, and a relentless drive to push your limits.

Suicide runs are more than a test of physical ability; they’re a rite of passage for any serious tennis player. They teach you about the importance of every step, every turn, every slide. In the world of tennis, where every movement counts, this drill is your proving ground.

Drill 4: Ladder Drills

Ladder drills are a fundamental part of tennis training, especially for honing those crucial fast-twitch muscles and enhancing coordination. In tennis, while covering the court is essential, it’s often the small, precise steps taken before hitting the ball that make a significant difference. This is where ladder drills come into play, offering a perfect platform to practice and perfect these vital movements.

Let’s start with the Simple Ladder Run. Set up your ladder and run through it, placing one foot in each box. Then, turn around and come back the other way. This drill is an excellent warm-up, getting the blood pumping and your body primed for more intense activity. The key here is to minimize the time your feet are in contact with the ground. Your steps should be short, sharp, and accurate, aiming to land squarely in the middle of each box.

Next, we elevate the challenge with the 2 Step Ladder Run. In this variation, you place both feet in each box, adding complexity to the drill. The focus remains on clean footwork, minimizing ground contact time, and ensuring precise placement of your feet in the center of each box. This drill not only improves your speed and coordination but also builds stamina, a crucial element for dominating the court.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, ladder drills are an invaluable addition to your tennis training regimen. They teach you the art of dynamic movement and multi-directional stepping, essential skills for any tennis player looking to enhance their on-court performance. By regularly incorporating these drills into your routine, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your footwork, agility, and overall tennis movement.

Drill 5: Jump Rope Exercises

Jump rope exercises are a classic yet incredibly effective way to enhance tennis footwork and overall on-court movement. As tennis players, we constantly seek drills that challenge our agility and coordination, and jump rope exercises fit the bill perfectly. They’re not just about jumping up and down; they’re about cultivating dynamic movement and multi-directional stepping, essential for every tennis player.

Let’s explore some variations: Start with the basic single jump, focusing on rhythm and lightness of feet. This foundational exercise improves your timing and coordination, crucial for those quick, reactive movements on the court. Then, progress to alternate foot jumps, where you mimic a running motion while jumping. This variation enhances your ability to shift weight quickly and efficiently, mirroring the rapid directional changes in a tennis match.

Next, introduce the high-knee jumps, elevating each knee alternately as high as possible with each jump. This not only boosts your cardiovascular fitness but also simulates the explosive movements needed during intense volleys. For lateral movement training, side-to-side jumps are excellent. They help develop lateral agility, allowing you to glide across the court with ease.

Don’t forget to include double skips, where the rope passes under your feet twice in one jump. This advanced variation demands and builds incredible speed and timing, pushing your footwork skills to new heights.

Incorporating a variety of jump rope exercises into your tennis training regimen is a fun yet challenging way to improve your footwork. It’s about turning those repetitive jumps into an art form, where each leap translates into better movement, balance, and agility on the tennis court. Whether you’re warming up or looking for an intense footwork workout, jump rope exercises are a fantastic choice for tennis players at any level.