(I moved this from the other footwork post...I think it actually belong here!)
I was encouraged to chime in on this topic from my experience.
Let me say that for the majority of recreational players, any of the "first steps" is probably not going to make or break their ability to get to a ball in the vast number of situational shots recreational players will encounter. They will, in reality, make errors in other aspect negating any optimal first step move they might choose, creating imbalance and inaccurate positioning at contact.
A study was done (and presented several years ago--by Jim McLennan--at the USPTA convention in Phoenix back in 2000), that discussed first step initiatives.
There are three choices that a player can make:
Jab step: stepping out with the foot closest to the ball. (I think BB mentioned this, although I haven't read all the posts...so Bill, forgive me if I am making a mistake.)
Crossover step: A first step across the body with the outside foot rotating the body sideways.
Gravity or Drop Step: a move that brings the inside foot (the one closest to the ball) in under the player which moves the player's center of gravity in a falling-like move towards the desired direction which is then followed by a cross over step.
Technically, the gravity step has been proven to provide the fastest first move in the direction you want to go. (Computer studies showing the gravity step provided the fastest way to get your inertia moving in the desired direction.)
The jab step, while the fastest way to move one step moved the center of gravity away from the desired direction requiring a conscious transfer of balance and is followed by the crossover step if another step is required.
Most pros, as you can see in the clip above, will either do a drop step or simply bend in the knee to get the body leaning in the direction they want to go. This is the best way to move a longer distance.
Here you see the bending of the knee closest to the ball, creating an imbalance that allows the player to literally fall in the direction they want to move, preceding the crossover step.
You will see pros incorporate each of these steps and my personal opinion is that you will want to train yourself to accomplish each one...and then let your natural instinct dictate the actual step you end up taking.
Hope this helps the discussion. I am not here to argue the point, just point out the differences and the subtle advantages based on scientific study.
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Dave Smith
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Dave Smith
Author, Tennis Mastery & Coaching Mastery