Timing the split step
09/29/2010 | Written by: uspta
Click Video Highlight:
Timing the split step
Description:
Master Professional Rick Macci explains and demonstrates the importance of timing the split step before hitting a shot in order to be in a better position for the incoming ball.
Tip:
Tennis is a game of movement and footwork. A tennis player must be ready and able to move in various directions quickly while maintaining good balance when starting, stopping or changing directions.
While most players have heard of the split step, not many know its importance or why you need to time it well. The split step is a slight upward hop that, on landing, enables the player to move quickly to the oncoming ball. Players should keep their head up and maintain good upper body posture with their weight forward. It is extremely important to time it well, so the split step should be done right before the opponent makes contact with the ball. From the split position players can make explosive movements in any direction, either laterally, diagonally or vertically.
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