The best examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork

On-court examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork

Let’s start with the fun part: real, on-court examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork that actually feel like tennis, not random gym class exercises.

1. Split-step and first-step burst drill

This is the foundation. Every high-level player has a sharp split-step and explosive first step. Here’s an example of a tennis agility drill that builds exactly that.

Set up on the baseline in your ready position. Have a partner stand on the opposite side of the net (or just in front of you if you’re indoors) and point quickly to your forehand or backhand side. The moment you see the cue, you perform a split-step, take your first explosive step toward that side, then immediately recover back to center.

You’re not trying to cover a huge distance here—about 6–8 feet is plenty. The focus is timing your split-step with the cue and pushing off the ground as fast as possible. This is one of the best examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork because it trains the exact reaction you need on returns and during rallies.

To progress it, have your partner mix in a short ball cue so you move forward, or a lob cue so you move back. Now your feet have to respond in multiple directions, just like a real point.

2. X-pattern baseline movement drill

This drill teaches you to move diagonally, plant, and recover—key skills for wide groundstrokes.

Place four cones: two near the baseline around where you’d stand for forehands and backhands, and two a few feet inside the court, closer to the service line. Start at the center mark. Your pattern will look like an X:

• From center, sprint diagonally to the right cone near the baseline, shadow a forehand, then shuffle back to center.
• Immediately sprint diagonally to the left cone inside the court, shadow a backhand on the move, then backpedal or side-shuffle to center.

Keep repeating the X pattern for 20–30 seconds, then rest. This is a great example of a tennis agility drill for improved footwork because it mimics the constant diagonal movement of real rallies instead of just straight-line sprints.

3. Short-ball and recovery step drill

Modern tennis is full of short balls and quick transitions. You need to explode forward, hit on the move, then recover before your opponent can attack.

Start at the baseline in a ready position. Place a cone or marker about halfway between the service line and net on the center line. From the baseline, split-step, then sprint forward to the cone as if attacking a short ball. Shadow a drive volley or approach shot, then use quick crossover steps to recover back behind the baseline to your starting spot.

This drill is one of the best examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork in the mid-court because it teaches that forward burst plus the all-important recovery. Focus on staying low as you move forward and keeping your steps quick and light on the way back.

To make it more realistic, have a partner feed an actual short ball so you hit instead of shadowing, then recover for the next shot.

4. Wide ball and slide (or plant) drill

If you play on clay or hard courts, you constantly deal with wide balls. This drill focuses on getting out to the ball efficiently and recovering without losing balance.

Place two cones about 10–15 feet to the left and right of the center mark on the baseline. Start in the middle. Have a partner call “forehand” or “backhand,” or simply point. On the cue, perform your split-step, explode to that wide cone, shadow the stroke, then use a crossover step and shuffle to get back to center.

On clay or softer courts, you can practice a controlled slide into the stroke. On hard courts, focus on a strong plant with your outside leg, then push back toward center. This is a clear example of a tennis agility drill for improved footwork that directly translates to running down wide serves and heavy cross-court shots.

5. Net attack and retreat drill

Doubles players especially need agility at the net. This drill forces you to move forward, laterally, and backward without losing balance.

Start just behind the service line in the middle of the court. On a cue, move forward quickly toward the net as if closing in for a volley. At the net, take two quick lateral steps to your forehand side, then two steps back to center, then retreat to your starting spot with quick, small steps while staying low.

The pattern is: forward, side, back to center, retreat. This is one of those underrated examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork because it trains you to change direction at the net without crossing your feet or popping up too tall.

Add variation by having a partner call “backhand side” so you move laterally the other way, or toss gentle balls to your volley side so you have to coordinate feet and hands.

Off-court examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork

You don’t always have court time, but that doesn’t mean your movement has to stall. Some of the best examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork can be done in your driveway, garage, or living room.

6. Ladder drills for tennis-specific patterns

Agility ladders are everywhere for a reason: they’re simple and effective when used with purpose.

Instead of random fancy footwork, choose ladder patterns that match tennis movements. For example, use an in-and-out shuffle where you move laterally along the ladder, stepping both feet in one box, then both feet out to the side, facing the net the whole time. This mimics your side-shuffle along the baseline.

Another example of a tennis agility drill using the ladder is the “Ickey shuffle”: step into the box with one foot, then the other, then step out to the side with the lead foot, moving forward. This pattern builds rhythm and coordination, which helps your split-step and first step on court.

Research on agility training shows that combining coordination, speed, and direction changes improves overall performance in court sports like tennis and basketball. For instance, the National Institutes of Health has published work highlighting how agility drills enhance neuromuscular control and reaction ability in athletes (nih.gov).

7. Cone T-drill with tennis focus

The classic T-drill is a staple in many sports, and it’s a strong example of a tennis agility drill for improved footwork when you tweak it slightly.

Set up one cone as your base, then three cones in a T shape: one straight ahead about 10 feet, and two cones 5–8 feet left and right of that front cone. Start at the base cone. Sprint forward to the middle cone, shuffle to the right cone, shuffle all the way across to the left cone, then shuffle back to the middle and backpedal to your start.

To make it more tennis-specific, face the same direction the whole time, as if facing the net, and use a split-step each time you reach a cone. This drill is one of the best examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork because it combines forward, lateral, and backward movement in one pattern.

8. Reactive color or number call drill

Tennis is not just about speed; it’s about reacting to unpredictable cues. This drill trains your brain and feet together.

Place four cones around you in a box—front, back, left, and right. Assign each cone a color or number. Have a partner call out the color/number at random. The moment you hear it, you take a quick split-step and sprint or shuffle to that cone, touch it, and return to the center.

No partner? Use a random timer or app that flashes colors or numbers, or record a voice memo with random calls and play it back. This is a fun example of a tennis agility drill for improved footwork that also sharpens your reaction time, which is supported by sports science research on cognitive-perceptual training in athletes (Harvard Health)

9. Single-leg hop and stick drill

Tennis footwork is only as good as your stability. You change direction constantly, and your knees and ankles need to handle those forces.

Stand on your right leg and hop forward a few inches, then “stick” the landing—no wobbling, no extra steps. Then hop back to your starting spot. Repeat to the side, and then diagonally. Switch legs after 6–8 hops in each direction.

This is not a flashy drill, but it’s a smart example of a tennis agility drill for improved footwork because it strengthens the small stabilizing muscles that protect your joints. Organizations like the Mayo Clinic emphasize the role of balance and stability in injury prevention for active adults (mayoclinic.org). Better stability means you can plant hard, cut, and push off without feeling like your ankles are made of glass.

How to build a weekly footwork and agility routine

It’s easy to read through all these examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork and then do them once and forget about them. The magic is in consistent, bite-sized sessions.

A simple structure:

• Two or three sessions per week on non-consecutive days.
• About 15–25 minutes of focused agility work each session.
• Rotate between on-court and off-court drills depending on your schedule.

One sample session could look like this:

Start with a 5–8 minute warm-up: light jog, dynamic leg swings, hip circles, and a few gentle side shuffles. Then choose one baseline-focused drill (like the X-pattern), one forward/backward drill (like the short-ball and recovery drill), and one reaction-based drill (like the color call drill). Do each for 3–4 rounds of 20–30 seconds, with about 30–45 seconds of rest.

Another session might be more stability-focused: ladder work, the T-drill, then single-leg hop and stick. This variety keeps your body adapting and your mind engaged.

2024–2025 trends in tennis agility training

Over the last few years, tennis conditioning has shifted from long-distance running toward shorter, sharper, more tennis-specific agility work. Coaches at all levels are leaning into quick, reactive drills that mimic point play.

A few current trends:

• More emphasis on reactive cues (visual or audio) instead of pre-planned patterns, to mirror real match chaos.
• Integration of wearable tech and court-tracking tools to measure distance covered, acceleration, and change of direction, especially at the college and pro levels.
• Greater focus on injury prevention through stability drills, single-leg strength, and controlled plyometrics, backed by research from sports medicine groups and academic centers (NIH, Mayo Clinic).

These trends all support the kind of work you’re doing when you practice the examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork in this guide. You’re not just “getting in shape”; you’re training the exact skills modern tennis demands.

Common mistakes when doing tennis agility drills

Even the best examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork won’t help much if the execution is sloppy. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Standing too tall. You want a low, athletic stance with your knees bent and weight on the balls of your feet.
• Forgetting the split-step. Build it into almost every drill so it becomes automatic.
• Going too long. These drills should be intense but short. If you’re gasping and your form breaks down, shorten the work intervals.
• Skipping rest days. Agility work hits your nervous system hard. Give yourself time to recover, especially if you also play matches.

If you keep your reps sharp and your sessions short, you’ll feel lighter and quicker on court within a few weeks.

FAQ: examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork

What are some simple examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork for beginners?
Good starter options include the split-step and first-step burst drill, a basic ladder shuffle facing the “net,” and the cone T-drill at a slower pace. Each example of a drill can be done in small spaces and scaled up as you get more confident.

Can I improve my footwork without a partner or coach?
Yes. Many examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork, like the X-pattern drill, ladder patterns, and single-leg hop and stick, can be done solo. For reaction drills, you can use a random timer app or pre-recorded audio cues instead of a live partner.

How often should I do these drills to see results?
Most recreational players notice changes in 3–4 weeks with two or three short sessions per week. The key is consistency and quality. Focus on a few of the best examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork and repeat them regularly instead of constantly changing your routine.

Are agility drills safe for older players or those returning from injury?
They can be, if you progress slowly and listen to your body. Start with lower-impact examples of drills like controlled lateral shuffles, shorter distances, and balance-focused work such as the single-leg hop and stick (or even just single-leg stands). If you have a history of joint issues or heart concerns, it’s wise to check in with a healthcare professional first; organizations like the CDC and NIH provide general guidance on physical activity and safety for adults (cdc.gov).

Do I need special equipment for these tennis agility drills?
Not really. Cones can be replaced with water bottles or tape on the ground. A ladder can be drawn with chalk or made with tape. The real value comes from the movement patterns themselves, not fancy gear.

If you pick three or four of these examples of tennis agility drills for improved footwork and stick with them for a month, you’ll likely feel quicker to wide balls, more stable on your shots, and less “late” on everything. That half-step you gain? On the scoreboard, it looks a lot like more winners and fewer errors.