The Secret To Tennis Footwork: Why the Best Players Never Stop Moving Their Feet

 If there’s one thing all the world’s best tennis players have in common — it’s this:

They never stop moving their feet.

Watch any high-level match closely — Alcaraz, Swiatek, Djokovic, Sinner. Doesn’t matter what surface, what score, or what style. Their feet are constantly adjusting, loading, recovering, and reacting. It’s automatic. It’s relentless. And it’s one of the biggest reasons they consistently dominate on court.

In this blog, we’re diving deep into the real reason footwork matters in tennis, why most players don’t train it enough, and how you (or your child) can start developing footwork like a pro — no matter your level.

I have been working at Wimbledon with a top junior player – Cruz Hewitt. During my time here I have been studying and filming some of the best movers in the game. Stick around , because I’ll be sharing a footwork video featuring one of the best movers in men’s tennis – Alex di Minaur, who gives a masterclass in how elite footwork looks in action.

What Is Tennis Footwork, Really?

Footwork in tennis isn’t just about running fast. It’s about how you move between every single shot. It’s about your:

• First step explosiveness
• Balance and body control
• Split step timing
• Recovery movement
• Small adjustment steps before you hit
• Ability to change direction efficiently

And here’s the truth: the shot is only as good as the position your footwork puts you in.
If your feet are late, lazy, or off-balance — your shot suffers. Period.

That’s why footwork is called the engine of the game. Without it, even the most technically sound strokes break down under pressure.

Why the Best Players Never Stop Moving

There’s a reason players like Djokovic and Swiatek make the game look so smooth — even when the rallies are brutal. It’s not just talent. It’s not just fitness. It’s footwork intensity.

Have a look at Swiatek in the video below, you can see the intensity she is working at. This is not a once off for her, this is her normal level of commitment to her movement. Her body and mind have adapted to it. So can yours!

Here’s what pro’s do that most young players don’t:

 ✅ 1. They prepare before the ball is hit

Elite players don’t wait to react. They read cues early, time their split step perfectly, and are already halfway into their next move before most juniors have even started.

 ✅ 2. They take lots of small steps

Instead of one or two big lunges, top players adjust with constant micro-steps to position their body perfectly for each shot.

 ✅ 3. They recover instantly

No ball-watching. No admiration. As soon as the shot is hit, they’re moving back to center or into the next pattern — resetting before their opponent even reacts.

 ✅ 4. They stay on the balls of their feet

It’s not flashy, but it’s fundamental. Good footwork starts with good posture and bounce — always ready to spring into motion.

How Your Feet Should Move

To show you what elite level footwork looks like check out the video below of Alex de Minaur preparing for Wimbledon.

Notice his feet do not stop moving, his movement is high intensity and he is staying on the balls of his feet.

Why Most Players Don’t Train Footwork Enough

Let’s be honest. For a lot of players, footwork drills feel repetitive. They’re not as glamorous as power serves or crushing forehands. But here’s what we see consistently:

•  Players spend hours hitting but never train their movement patterns
• They warm up their strokes but not their split steps or recovery
• They lose matches not because of poor technique, but because they’re out of position or slow to react

And worse — they don’t even realise it’s a footwork issue. Coaches and parents often focus on stroke mechanics when the root cause is movement and positioning.

Here’s some footage of female world junior number 1- Emerson Jones and pro player Denis Shapovalov. 

If you watch closely, their footwork is a big reason why they stand out on court.

As Roger Federer once said:
“When I’m moving my feet, I’m always playing well.”

Footwork isn’t just a detail — it’s a game-changer

What Coaches and Parents Should Watch For

Whether you’re on the sidelines or coaching directly, here are a few footwork red flags that signal a player needs to improve:

•  Stopping whilst the point is going
• Standing flat-footed between points or before returns
• Ball-watching after a shot
• Rushing to the ball late, especially wide or short balls
• Off-balance or reaching shots (especially on the run)
• Getting beaten twice in a row in the same direction

Good footwork isn’t just speed — it’s awareness and consistency. It can be trained at every age and stage.

Mindset Matters: Train Movement Intensity

One of the biggest things we teach in the Tennis Fitness Academy is this:

Footwork is not just physical — it’s mental.

You have to train players to want to move. To expect intensity. To keep their feet alive no matter what. That’s why all our programs include dedicated footwork and movement sessions — because when movement becomes a mindset, everything else gets easier.

Final Message: Never Stop Moving

Here’s what we tell our players — and what players like Alex and Iga embody perfectly:

 “Your feet feed your game. When your feet stop, so does your performance.”

So if you're looking to improve your tennis, don’t just train your strokes. Train your movement. Make footwork part of every session — warm-ups, cool-downs, match play, and everything in between.

And when in doubt? Keep your feet moving. Always.

Wimbledon Sale Now On — 25% Off All Tennis Fitness Programs!

To celebrate the grass court season, we’re offering 25% off all our tennis fitness programs for a limited time.

Whether you need to build better footwork, improve speed and agility, or become more resilient under pressure — this is your chance to take your training to the next level.Train smart. Move better. Stay in the point.