When new players come in for Tennis strength and conditioning training, they usually expect to learn some advanced exercises that will make them faster on the court. What happens after they arrive is what makes my job as a tennis fitness trainer so enjoyable.
We start by evaluating how they move through our testing protocols, recording their times, and then sitting down to talk.
This conversation often leads to increased self-awareness, motivation, and the understanding that their mindset about movement is what truly impacts their speed—not just the exercises themselves.
Helping players recognize that their attitude toward movement is key to how fast they can go is often an eye-opener. But getting this right takes practice.
The reality is that many players are limited by their own beliefs. They move at a slower pace because they don’t think they can move faster, and their mindset isn’t aggressive or determined enough. Developing a “Movement Attitude” requires focus and commitment. It’s a critical part of any tennis workout.
Think about it: have you ever seen a top sprinter approach the starting line without looking ready to dominate? Their attitude is aggressive, determined, and focused. This is a skill that can be developed if you’re willing to put in the work.
To improve your movement attitude, you need to train in an environment that pushes you to move at high intensities. Tennis agility and speed drills are perfect for this. These drills challenge your mind and body, helping you reach new levels.
Choose drills that you can repeat and measure (time). This creates a competitive element as you strive to beat your personal best or someone else’s time. This is how you learn to push your limits.
Once you’ve picked your drills and set up your stopwatch, it’s time to mentally prepare. Visualize yourself moving faster, focus on your target time, and approach the drills with intensity. Without this level of intensity, there will be no improvement.
Here’s where most players go wrong:
- Limiting beliefs and excuses: It’s crucial to let go of mental barriers and stop making excuses.
- Lack of exposure to challenging environments: Be willing to push through discomfort and give 110%. Regular exposure is key to improvement.
- Inconsistent practice: You need to challenge yourself in tough environments 2-3 times a week, consistently.
- Stopping when it gets tough: Many athletes, especially younger ones, tend to give up when it starts to hurt. I like to push them beyond what they think they can handle, helping them realize they can go further. This builds resilience, a vital life skill that translates to the court and beyond.
- Not applying it on the court: No matter the score, your movement attitude should remain strong. Push hard, chase everything, every point.
I once asked one of Australia’s top sprint coaches about the most important factor in running faster. He said, “It’s all about attitude. You need to think fast, be aggressive, and see yourself moving quicker.” Physical training is important, but without the right mindset, it won’t have much impact.
The next time you train or play, ask yourself, “How’s my movement attitude?” If it’s not where it should be, try these tips—and really commit to them!
Additional Resources:
If you want to assess your current physical condition, start with these Tennis fitness tests.
Then follow the Speed, Agility, and Power Program for six weeks, retest, and compare your results.
By adopting these steps and enhancing your movement attitude, I guarantee you’ll see significant improvements!