7 tennis footwork drills to step up your game

Footwork is the foundation of every stroke. Familiarize yourself with skills to amplify your court coverage, and set the foundation for taking every set. Whether you’re training daily like Flavio Cobolli or squeezing in a few sessions a week, consistent footwork practice can make the difference between reaching an impossible angle and watching the rally slip away. Track your progress by timing your drills or analyzing your form on video and see improvement with every step.

Master these seven drills for faster reactions, smarter movement and the confidence to make in-the-moment decisions, and you’ll cover the court like a pro. 

One of the most common mistakes tennis pro Flavio Cobolli sees: a disconnect between the upper and lower body. To fix that, we’re starting with a drill that encourages them to work in sync.  

The quickstep drill sharpens agility, builds speed and trains your feet to move faster under pressure. Here’s how to master it with a partner and five cones:

1. Set up the cones: Arrange them in a semi-circle along the baseline. Your starting position is at the center. 

2. Forehand reps: Sprint to each cone, returning four forehands to your partner. Shuffle back to your starting position after every shot.  

3. Backhand switch: At the final cone, transition to a backhand.  

Think of it as a series of controlled sprints: fast, sharp and always ready for the next one.  

Stay light on your feet, stay quick and never lose sight of your opponent. This drill trains you to cover the court fast, without turning your back.  

1. Set up: Start at one side of the court, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and weight balanced. 

2. Shuffle: Step sideways, leading with one foot. Snap the other foot behind it – quick, controlled, almost touching.  

3. Reverse: Hit the other side. Shuffle back.  

Keep your steps short, sharp, and always in control. Think: eyes up, feet fast. 

Speed and coordination are Cobolli’s prized talents. “Having fast feet helps me a lot, especially for my style of play,” he says. If you want to move like him – quick, controlled and always balanced – you need to master the figure 8 drill.  

1. Set up the cones: Place two cones about six feet apart on the baseline. 

2. Get ready: Stand between them in an athletic stance.  

3. Move in figure 8: Shuffle to the right cone, circle it, then head to the left. Keep the motion smooth and continuous, tracing a figure 8 pattern.  

Want to level up? Have a partner feed you a ball as you hit the outside of each cone, training you to return shots while on the move.  

The cross-over step is an essential move for swift court coverage. Think of it as a power shuffle – efficient, quick and perfect for changing direction in a split second. 

1. Set up: Start in an athletic stance – feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.  

2. Cross and go: If moving to the right, swing your left foot in front of your right, then step out with your right. Repeat in rhythm.  

3. Switch it up: This move isn’t just side-to-side. Use it diagonally to expand your reach.  

If you’re feeling a little stiff, start with smaller steps and stretch your hip-flexors after tennis workouts to build range over time.  

This drill uses a flat, rope-style agility ladder that lies flat. Chalk-drawn boxes on the ground, or tape works just as well.

Single leg ladder drill

1. Start position: Stand to the left of the first ladder box, with the rest of the boxes in front of you. 

2. Make the first movement: Move your right foot in and out of the boxes, like running in place but with precision.

3. Repeat with your left leg: Reach the end, turn around and repeat with your left foot.

Level up: “Ickey Shuffle” 

1. Start position: Same as before, standing beside the first box.

2. First box: Place your right foot inside the box, followed by your left. Step out to the right with your right foot.

3. Second box: Bring your left foot in, then your right. Step out left with your left foot.

4. Repeat throughout: Keep the rhythm – two steps inside, one step outside – until you’ve cleared the ladder.

Mix in other variations to keep your footwork sharp and your training fresh.  

The split step is a tiny but powerful movement. It’s what keeps you reactive, balanced and ready to play in any direction. Master it and you’ll never be caught flat-footed.

1. Hop: Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and take a small, controlled jump just before your opponent makes contact with the ball. Think of it like an internal metronome – your hop is the first beat and your landing is the second. 

2. Land softly: Touch down on the balls of your feet, knees slightly bent, prepped to sprint toward the net or chase down a deep shot.

This isn’t about height – it’s about rhythm. Nail the timing and you’ll always be in a position to react. 

An underrated but effective footwork drill, jump rope training keeps you light on your feet and sharpens your hand-eye coordination, which is key for tracking fast-paced rallies. Plus, you can do it anywhere and play by yourself – no court required. 

Mix up your routine with these variations: 

- Alternating feet: Jog in place, hopping from one foot to the other. Perfect for mimicking side-to-side tennis movement.

- Criss–cross: Cross your arms at the elbows to form an ‘X’ with the rope, then uncross on the next jump.

- Double-under: Jump once, but whip the rope under your feet twice before landing.

Use a weighted rope for an extra challenge. It builds endurance in your arms and grip, so you can keep the racket steady for long matches. 

Incorporate these footwork drills into your routine, and moving swiftly around the court will become second nature. But technique isn’t everything – your shoes matter too. THE ROGER Clubhouse Pro is designed for multiple court surfaces, helping you slide on clay or make a quick, controlled effort on hard courts. Stay light on your feet, and every step will keep you ahead of the game.