Drills to develop split step

[Roforot]

Hi,

I started playing tennis in my 20s and as I'm relearning my game and improving in the 4.0 league I find I really need to split step to be balanced for volleys. I've seen videos and I understand the benefits of a split step, but whenever I get into a match it goes along the wayside. I end up focussing on other things; watching where the ball's going, and well when I'm off balance or run through a volley, I remember I meant to be split stepping.

I would like suggestions on a drill; I plan to hit singles later this week. It could be cooperative drills; but I want something to ingrain this in my head!

 

[EaGamer]

I haven't completely mastered it either, however one thing I've found useful is just simple drop-feed points. Kind of simulates an in-game situation as the other person will be trying to place the ball similarly to a real point, so the split-step would be beneficial.

Because these points don't matter, just try to focus on your footwork the entire time and only think about split-stepping. It won't matter where you place the ball, all that matters in this 'drill' so to speak, is where your partner hits it.

 

[4sound]

The split-step should be done where the weight/feet are down on contact of your opponent.

One drill I've done is tapping the racket on the court when the person makes contact. Tap should not be before or after contact. Once you get a feel for that, it makes it easier to know when your split step weight should be down.

Moving on your opponents strike will help your overall game.

 

[Funbun]

Just rally for a long time and split step every shot. Nothing to it.

It's like learning a new math skill; you just do it until you can perfect it.

Eventually, you'll find it super useful when you play defensive tennis.

 

[Roforot]

Thanks. It's frustrating but shows me the importance of gaining control of the time between shots.

Someone also sent me this link:

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Teach-the-Split-Step-in-Tennis-28045557

I'll try double split stepping in mini-tennis and tapping the racquet
during a practice set. The biggest thing is keeping my mind when points and competition starts!

 

[fuzz nation]

I'd say that you could work on the mindset of making a quick first move to the ball whenever you're having any sort of practice hit, including mini tennis. Taking a split-step basically puts us "in the blocks" so that we're ready to deliberately burst in any direction toward the ball. Let the pop of the opponent's shot be the sound of the starter's pistol that gets you out of the blocks and on your way to the hitting zone. In short, rush that first move.

Along with keeping our eye on the ball, the split-step is one of those things that we should be doing all the time out there. I'll remind the players I coach to "get their heels off the court" or something like that if they're not split-stepping and moving well, but I suppose that I only specifically drill it when I'm working with players on rushing the net. Unless we work on that split-step following an approach shot, many players will run through that first volley.

If you fixate on being quick to the ball all the time, I'll bet that your split-step will eventually become an unconscious action, just like changing your grip for a forehand or backhand. The good news is that you can make any five or ten minute practice hit into a "drill" for your split-step, since you always need it.