Court Movement and Footwork Drill

This drill develops foot quickness, coordination, and endurance by combining multiple movement patterns across the court. Players work on forward runs, side shuffles, and backpedaling, with optional variations that include swing motions or tag games for variety. The focus is on maintaining balance, proper technique, and staying light on the feet throughout the sequence.

Setup

• Players line up on the doubles alley (tramline)
• Coach designates movement patterns and optional swing motions
• Multiple players can participate at once, spaced safely apart

Rules & Objectives

• Players start on the tramline
• Run forward to the net
• Side shuffle across the court
• Backpedal to the starting line
• Repeat the pattern (forward → side shuffle → backpedal) continuously until completing the circuit
• Variation 1: Players move through the same pattern while performing swing motions at designated spots (e.g., forehand, backhand, volley, or overhead shadow swings)
• Variation 2: Play a tag game where one player is “it
• ” Everyone must stay on the court lines, always keeping one foot on a line
• Variation 3: Run designated sequences along the court lines, performing specific swing motions when reaching marked points

Repetition

• Perform in sets of 3–5 minutes with breaks between rounds
• Increase speed or reduce rest time for conditioning
• Add more complex movement combinations (e.g., crossovers, split steps)

Coaching Points

• Improves quickness and agility
• Reinforces tennis-specific footwork patterns
• Builds endurance and conditioning
• Trains body control and balance while in motion

Drill Tutorial