Getting it right can be the difference between getting to a serve easier or reaching more balls. You may actually feel like you have your split step under control but upon closer examination, it may need some fine-tuning by working on the timing of it. This can sound easy but getting the timing right for some players can be challenging. To perform the split-step effectively you need to get used to watching your opponent and work on your timing of the split step, jumping up, landing, and then pushing through the ground. The benefit of the split-step is that it allows you to generate force through the ground and push off more dynamically. The split step is performed by pushing up off the toes, jumping a few inches in the air, and then dynamically moving towards the direction of the ball. The split step is generally used when starting a dynamic movement such as returning a serve or preparing to move to hit a groundstroke. It is important to get it functioning right and use it as often as possible. The split step is a fundamental step for all players. Holding this position, you should take controlled dynamic small steps when getting in position to hit the ball. Prep steps are performed by holding a wide leg base, staying predominately on your forefoot, with knees slightly bent, and maintaining good athletic posture. Prep steps are generally used when moving forward or backward to the ball or when a player has time on their groundstrokes. Prep steps allow you to hold a better postural position leading into and through your shot due to the fact you are more balanced. Instead of taking large forceful steps, it is better to take small controlled rapid steps, which allows for better body position and the ability to change direction at the last moment if needed. Prep Steps are small controlled steps that are used when preparing to set up for a shot. Here is some information on each of the six footwork steps. In all reality, every player needs to be working on their footwork and lower body coordination, no matter their age or level of play. As we age small rapid prep steps become harder to manage, so focusing on small, rapid, coordinated steps is important so you don't have to feel like you are out of position and just slapping at the ball. Young players should be working on all the steps so they develop into well-rounded on-court movers. Once you understand these footwork steps, you can then plan your tennis training around the footwork steps that you feel need more work.įor the majority of tennis players, the first step is the most critical and it is the one step that most players feel they need to improve. We have broken down on-court tennis footwork into six types of footwork steps. The thing is all tennis players have something in common, they all want to move better on the court. And don't worry it will work for you also, no matter what level you play at. We’d like to share the ‘ Tennis Fitness, Martin Method” movement patterns that we use daily with the players who work with us. This is enough time to allow your body to adapt and improve. So what I am about to share with you, I want you to read over and then give a go for at least 4 weeks, twice weekly. We want to give you the opportunity to be able to improve your on-court movement as much as possible. While we can’t promise you’ll reach the same standard as Federer, there are proven ways to improve your tennis footwork on the court. It doesn't just happen, you need to develop the right footwork and then work on improving the speed and coordination of the footwork. Logically when you get to the ball earlier and get in a better position to hit the ball, your chances of success are much higher. Have you ever noticed Roger Federer's footwork? It can be hard to understand how smooth and graceful he moves when you watch on TV, but it was only until I saw him train and play in person, I truly appreciated why he is regarded as the greatest mover to have played the game. You have to get it right! Let's look at how you should structure all your tennis footwork drills. Quality tennis footwork could be the most critical element for a solid game. Without understanding some of the basic fundamentals of tennis movement you are costing yourself and possibly losing matches you should be winning. Most players waste their time training for tennis.
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