Why Running Laps Isn’t Enough for Tennis Conditioning
Let’s get this out of the way…
If your version of “tennis conditioning” is running a few laps or doing light cardio… you’re not preparing your body for the actual game.
Tennis isn’t just a long jog around the park.
It’s explosive, reactive, unpredictable, and honestly? Brutal on your body if you’re not ready for it.
If you want to last longer, move faster, and stay sharp in the 3rd set…
You need more than just a good sweat.
What You’re Missing
Running builds general endurance.
Cool.
But tennis conditioning should prep you for what happens on the court:
- Fast directional changes
- Quick reaction time
- Repeated sprints
- Core-powered rotation
- Staying mentally locked in under pressure
None of that shows up from jogging laps.
What Your Training Should Look Like
Here’s what I give my players when we want real, match-ready conditioning:
🔹 Short Bursts & Sprint Work
You need that quick first step.
Add shuttle runs, lateral sprints, and multi-directional drills that mimic point play.
🔹 Reaction + Agility Training
Agility ladders, cone drills, and even reactive ball drops.
You’re not just moving — you’re responding, fast.
🔹 Core + Rotational Power
Forget crunches.
We’re talking about anti-rotation holds, med ball slams, and banded rotational drills to power your serve and groundstrokes.
🔹 Conditioning When You’re Tired
Anyone can go hard when they’re fresh.
I train my athletes to stay technical and explosive even when they’re gassed — because that’s how real matches go.
You Want to Win? Train Like It.
Running laps won’t cut it.
If you want to stay quick, confident, and injury-free through every set, your training has to match your game.
I’ll help you move better, recover faster, and outlast anyone on the other side of the net.
Let’s upgrade your game — off the court.
