What is the proper footwork for a tennis player? How to move well on the tennis court? I will try to answer these questions to help you improve your tennis game.
Tennis movements are very varied and there are many different ways to move on a tennis court. Tennis is a complex activity that involves movements in all directions to reach the balls but also to recover. The best tennis players are those who use proper technique in their movements, but also those who are able to do it very quickly.
First, a tennis player must execute a split step before each shot. This split step is done while the opponent hits the ball. It is a very small and short jump that allows you to be on the balls of your feet in a wide stance. Then the player will be ready to move in any direction. This is the basis for good footwork. A split step should be performed before each shot and allows the player to have light feet and is ready to move towards the ball.
A tennis player rarely takes more than 4 steps to get closer to the ball. So it is very important to be explosive and fast in the first steps. Depending on where the ball is going to dribble, the player will have to move differently. Being able to read your opponent’s shot is key to being able to move well.
If the ball is going to bounce next to you, a side step is enough to get you in the correct positions. If the ball is deep, you will have to go back very fast to hit the ball as you go. If you are late, you will still lose your balance while striking and then the shot will not be efficient.
For most shots, the player will have to move about 3 steps to the backhand or forehand side. The most efficient way is to move forward and diagonally to the ball. After the split test, step forward with your front leg in the direction of the ball and at the same time push off the ground with your opposite foot. This will allow you to have a quick and explosive first step. Once the front leg is back on the ground, push hard on the ground and place the other leg in front of you, then brace yourself and you should be able to take an efficient shot.
If you have to run for a short ball, just after the split step explode forward and avoid taking a step back. This is a common mistake that costs time. Your first step should be forward in the direction of the ball.
Moving to the ball is one thing, but now you need to recover well to be ready for the next shot. The most efficient way after a shot is to cross step and then step back. This is much faster and more efficient than doing only side steps to recover.
All of those different steps need good coordination and of course should be practiced. Many tennis players could be much better if they were using correct technique while moving to the ball and recovering. The best way to train movements is agility training on the court. Moving to a cone, casting a shadow, and bouncing back to where you started are good exercises to improve movement. Because there are no tennis balls involved, the player can really focus on his movements and learn the correct technique. After a while you won’t think about it, it will be automatic and then you can use it with live balls.
