Coaching Tip - April 2010

The Split Step
    The Split Step takes some practice in order to get the timing right before the benefits in the form of more controlled and improved tennis strokes are apparent.

    This essential body movement is one of the least practiced skills in tennis.

    The Split Step model as used by the professional players appears to be dynamic, fluid and always in time with their opponent(s) and is something for us all to strive to achieve.

    What is a Split Step?
  • The split step movement resembles a quick hop-skip motion where the player jumps lightly in the air landing with the bodyweight balanced on the balls of their feet and knees bent, ready to move in any direction for the next shot

    • Why Split Step?
  • When moving around the court a player needs to stop their body momentum to prevent them running through the ball
  • The Split Step gives the player time to prepare and react to the next shot

    • Where to Split Step?
  • There is no definite area on the court to Split Step
  • The position and timing is determined by when your opponent is about to hit the ball

    • When to Split Step?
  • The ideal time to Split Step is when your opponent starts his/her racquet swing
  • This allows time for the player to read the speed and direction of the ball and determine the best course of action

    • Post Split Step
  • The Split Step is just a pause and the player then needs to react to the opposing shot and move into the correct position to hit their next stroke in the rally

    • Split Step is used:
  • in most facets of the tennis game
  • for the return of serve Split Step just prior to the serve being hit
  • during a rally Split Step just prior to all opposition groundstrokes during a rally
  • after an approach shot Split Step just prior to any resulting volleys and smashes
  • when at the net in doubles Split Step just prior to all opposition ground strokes during a rally

    • The use of the Split Step is vital in order for a player to get balanced prior to reacting and moving to the next shot in any rally. In addition this balance is important to allow the Biomechanical chain reaction to occur during stroke production.

    The timing of the Split Step is crucial and practice makes perfect.

    Please contact me if you have any comments or questions.

    Steve James
    HEAD coach
    Email steve.james@stevejamestennis.com