Basic Running Pattern
While there are several different ways you can run the lines, the following is a common approach that you’ll find many tennis instructors and coaches using.
Start facing the net at the far right net post with one hand on the net.
- Backpedal to the baseline.
- Sidestep to your left to the singles sideline.
- Jog to and touch the net.
- Backpedal to the service line.
- Sidestep to your left to the service center line.
- Jog to and touch the net.
- Backpedal to the service line again.
- Sidestep to your left to the far singles sideline.
- Jog to and touch the net.
- Backpedal back to the baseline.
- Sidestep to your left to the doubles sideline.
- Jog back to the net.
Pretty simple, right? Of course, as with most drills, what you get out of it will be what you choose to put into it. Let’s take a look at how you can use this simple drill to warm up or improve a player’s speed and footwork.
Love Running the lines, plan to start using it myself and when teaching. Thanks!
Happened to spot an extra letter in your last bullet (“next” instead of “net”)
Thanks again!
Hi Steve,
Thanks for stopping by – glad you enjoy the drill.
Running the lines always brings me back to playing in high school and college – it was a staple warm-up drill and something I still use with my students to this day.
I appreciate you pointing out the spelling mistake. I went ahead and fixed that :)
All the best,
Jon