Game version
Court follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement around the court and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Wide-Ball Recovery Ladder
Shadow wide balls at growing distances and recover to the middle with the fewest steps.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Put cones 2, 3 and 4 big steps from the center mark on each side.
Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Court, cones, racket
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Footwork
The steps
How it works
- Put cones 2, 3 and 4 big steps from the center mark on each side.
- Shadow a stroke at each cone and recover.
- Count your recovery steps.
- Do 3 rounds and try to use fewer steps.
Coaching point
Big first step, short last steps.
Safety: Wear court shoes and keep loose balls off the court while you move.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are an explorer crossing the court like a jungle.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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