World-class trainer Pat Etcheberry, who’s worked with players like Andre Agassi, Justine Henin, Pete Sampras, and Monica Seles, designed this test to help players assess their fitness level for tennis.
- Stand in the center of the service box.
- Quickly move from side to side, touching the singles sideline and then the center service line with your racket. Continue back and forth for 30 seconds, keeping count of the number of lines you touch.
- Rest for 30 seconds, then do it again. Remember to count the number of lines you touch.
- Rest for another 30 seconds, then do the drill for one final 30-second period, again counting each line you touch.
What those numbers mean
The number of lines you touch on the first round measures how fast you are. The number from your second go-round tells you how quickly you recover after a long point. The number you get on your final try measures your stamina. Your goal should be to get around same number on each round. Etcheberry says that a 40-year-old male should aim for 34 lines, while a woman of the same age should hit the lines 28 times. A 14-year-old boy should hit 33 lines, while a 14-year-old girl should touch the line 29 times. “If you can handle this test,” Etcheberry says, “you’re ready for any match.”
Comparing Scores
To judge yourself against your peers, locate the age closest to yours and compare your score to the average listed under your gender.