How is your footwork? Could it use a little extra attention? Many of you are currently taking private lessons
to improve your strokes. Your strokes are most effective when you're in position to hit them. Imagine if you could be 
in perfect position to hit them more often. How much better would you be? How many more matches would you win?
Have you ever noticed that the top ranked players are also the best movers on the court? 

The good news is that these skills can be learned and improved upon no matter at what level they are currently. 
Would you like to improve your quickness on the court? Would you like to move more efficiently on the baseline 
and at net? Would you like to jump higher and improve your overall balance and agility? 

I am a former professional tennis player and founder of Hawk Speed School. Hawk Speed School is a program 
designed to help junior tennis players maximize their potential through speed and agility workouts. We are currently 
located at the Bill Clark Tennis Academy in Cooper City Florida. 

My philosophy is simple...junior tennis players spend too much time perfecting their technique. They are not 
paying enough attention to their running form, balance, agility, and flexibility. Prolonged tennis success will be 
based upon what type of athlete you are...not your individual technique.

How does this type of training translate to the average tennis player you might ask. Any player regardless of 
age or ability level can benefit from speed and agility training. Take a look at a few basic drills I have provided 
and try to incorporate them into your upcoming practices. 

Drill 1- Jump Back Accelerations
While standing in an athletic split step position, jump back six inches to a foot. After landing in a split step
position, accelerate forward for five yards (try to reach your top speed). Focus on your first step reaction after
landing. This drill will train your nervous system to react faster to short balls.

Drill 2- Side Shuffling
Start on the outside of the doubles alley facing the net. Get into an athletic stance and shuffle across the court
to the opposite doubles alley. Shuffle alley to alley six times. Be sure to stay in an athletic stance and to pay 
extra attention to your posture. While shuffling, try to keep your feet from hitting one another and be sure to keep
your toes facing the net while performing this exercise. This drill will help your recovery speed on balls that pull 
you wide during a point.

Drill 3- Alley Jumps
Start with your right foot on the outside doubles line on the deuce court facing the net. Jump from your right foot
on a diagonal to the singles side line landing on your left foot. Hesitate for a moment and jump back on a diagonal
to the doubles side line landing on your right foot. Continue this pattern until you reach the net. Focus on your 
balance after landing and on explosive power while jumping across the alley. This drill will help your overall balance
on the court. 
	
I hope you find these drills helpful. For more information on speed and agility training visit my web site
at hawkspeedschool.com.