Categories: Tennis instructionTennis training

The Ladder Epidemic. The good, bad and ugly of athletes training on ladders

The post by Allistair McCaw

The Ladder Epidemic. The good, bad and ugly of athletes training on ladders.

Lately, there has been a lot of articles and coaches shunning the use of ladders in sports performance and athlete training. So, In true McCaw style, I’m going to keep this simple and to the point. Training on a ladder has its advantages and disadvantages.

The good:

The advantages include the fact that it’s I find it a great addition to a good warm for my athletes (especially for ankle mobilization), improves co-ordination skills and foot speed, and its also a great aid to teach correct landing mechanics.
Kids LOVE IT too, so why not include it?. I always recommend that parents should purchase a ladder for home, as there’s no harm in having your kid have fun on a ladder!

The bad (and ugly):

The problem with coaches who only use ladders to improve their athletes footwork is that it does not simulate the patterns or movements of the sport they play. Pulling out a ladder does not solve your footwork issues. That’s why It’s important to also have footwork drills that incorporate sport appropriate movements. Setting up cones in specific patterns for example.

Conclusion: I recommend ladders in your programs, but as long as you combine it with footwork drills that are sport-appropriate (specific).

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