Side Shuffle to Live Feed

This drill builds coordination, lateral quickness, and readiness by combining continuous side shuffles with a live ball feed. Players learn to stay balanced, keep a low stance, and explode forward with small steps to execute a controlled groundstroke. It emphasizes agility, footwork discipline, and shot preparation under pressure.

Setup

• Place two cones wide apart on the baseline
• Player starts centered between the cones, facing the net
• Coach/feeder positioned on the opposite side of the net with a basket of balls
• Optional: targets set beyond the service line for depth

Rules & Objectives

• Player begins shuffling side-to-side between the two cones, touching each cone twice
• Player continues to shuffle until coach feeds a live ball
• On the feed, player uses small, quick steps forward, keeping chest facing the net
• Player strikes a groundstroke past the service line, aiming for designated target zones if provided
• Player recovers back to the baseline and resumes shuffling until the next feed

Repetition

• Perform sets of 10–12 feeds per player
• Increase difficulty by moving cones farther apart
• Add variation: alternate forehand and backhand feeds
• Progress to faster shuffles or multiple feeds in sequence (2–3 balls)
• Introduce competition: track number of shots that land in the target zones

Coaching Points

• Builds coordination and rhythm in lateral movement
• Reinforces low stance and balance (knees bent, body leaning forward)
• Improves foot speed and small-step adjustment for better timing
• Trains explosiveness moving forward from shuffle into shot
• Enhances accuracy and consistency when striking under fatigue

Drill Tutorial