Today’s topic is another installment in a series of posts inspired by the Netflix documentary Carlos Alcaraz: My Way. The general premise is that all tennis players can learn techniques to improve their training and fitness by replicating what the top professionals in the game do. However, while most of the drills offer intriguing insights into how the pros sharpen their physical and mental edge, not everything is worth copying. Today’s featured exercise falls squarely into the “don’t try this at home” category—unless your goal is a fast track to injury.
During a montage giving the impression of discipline in Novak Djokovic’s training regimen, he is shown doing caraoke steps on a treadmill that is clearly set at a pretty brisk pace. “Caraoke” is a legitimate footwork drill often used by tennis players and athletes in many other sports. It involves a twisting lateral movement where the trailing leg crosses alternately in front of and behind the lead leg while moving sideways. The pattern improves agility, coordination, hip mobility, and lateral quickness—all of which are highly transferable to the court.
The caraoke footwork pattern absolutely has value. But here’s the kicker: you get every bit of the benefit from performing it on solid ground. I see zero added training upside to doing this on a treadmill, especially one that’s flying along at Djokovic’s brisk pace. The only thing that’s increased by using this equipment is the likelihood of tripping, twisting something, or getting flung backward in a spectacular wipeout.
Djokovic’s version may look impressive, but for mere mortals, the risk far outweighs the reward. Unlike many exercises I showcase on this site, this is one I actively recommend avoiding. Stick to terra firma for your caraoke steps. Your health and dignity will thank you.
After all, if there’s one takeaway from this segment from My Way, it’s that Djokovic’s training methods sometimes seem to flirt with madness. This treadmill stunt only proves the point.
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