This is a contrived but fun little footwork pattern drill in honor of Valentine’s Day. It is a series of short sprints that replicate the footwork patterns that might occur during match play. Additionally, my preferred way to run this drill is with a racquet while simulating a stroke at each position.
The pattern is illustrated in the following diagram. (Unless your email client and browser are blocking images in which case I recommend viewing this post directly off the website.)
This pattern is initiated from the center baseline at position 1 with a pretend serve. The player then sprints to position 2 where a simulated approach shot is played. From there the movement is up to the net to position 3 for a volley. An imaginary lob pushes the player back to spot 4 where a mid-range overhead is played. The pattern then closes back to the net to position 5 for another simulated volley. The next shot drops back to position 6 where a swinging volley is hit. The drill concludes with a sprint back to the original starting position for one final ground stroke.
In case you missed it, this creates a little heart pattern on the court. (Awww…..)
To balance things out, the reverse pattern should also be executed at least as many times as the forward pattern detailed here.
Short sprints are a terrific way to get in a little cardio while reinforcing tennis-specific footwork patterns. Given the kitschy theme, this one is also pretty easy to remember.
