FOOTWORK

[Grandslam]

Anyone have recommendations on how I can improve my footwork? I've got pretty decent strokes but I find that my biggest problem is getting into position to hit a good shot. I'm looking for ways that can help me anticipate sooner and move around the court in a more efficient manner. Any drills or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Grandslam[/b]

 

[Hal]

* Jump rope

* Put balls at each corner of the service lines, and at the T. Also put a ball where the sideline and baseline meet. Start at the center baseline service mark and retrieve each ball, going back to the center baseline service mark each time. Make sure you run to the ball (short steps), but shuffle back to the center service mark. You can also hold onto your racquet so you are used to moving with the racquet in your hand.

* Another thing to be sure is that you're getting your racquet back appropriately. You can have ok footwork, but if you're not prepared to hit the ball, it may seem that you have poor footwork.

 

[TwistServe]

If you stay on your toes, you'd be surprise how fast your feet react

so stay on your toes throughout the game.. make it a habbit.. your footwork will naturally be automatic and you wont have to think about it

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Shadow tennis

Jump Rope

Sprints

Court drills that emphasize footwork and footspeed

Practice by focusing on when your opponent is about to hit the ball. Then as soon as he does say to yourself HIT BOUNCE HIT to get a good jump on the ball.

DOnt watch your ball to long. Or if you do, do it while recovering to the spot you need to recover.

You would be surprised that it may not be so much about footwork but more on you keeping your head focused and in the game ready to pounce on anything your opponent replies with.

Practice your split step and shuffle step.

 

[djbrown]

I find that my anticipation is much better after having read the Wardlaw Directionals section in "Pressure Tennis" as well. Even just an extra half step or two allows you to attack those short balls better as opposed to having to wait for them.

 

[PugArePeopleToo]

HIT BOUNCE HIT is just about the best. I've been saying it since this summer. It really forces me to focus on the ball. Now, I am moving better, my shots are hit with controlled pace, and I am winning more.

 

[George]

Someone told me using a agility ladder really help his footwork.
It really strengthen his leg muscles. To stay off your heels, you need
the legs muscles.

 

[jun]

To be have quicker feet, i think jump rope helps a lot.

In order to become a better mover, you should do drills like shadow tennis, biking, suicide drills etc etc..

Believe it or not, I think the mental part plays at leat 50% to getting to the ball. You need to focus on the ball, need to be aware of what shots to where you just hit, and what kind shot your opponent likes to play and so on.

Also, if you constantly finding you self late, then you need to recover a little quicker. At least for me, hitting against helped me a great deal.

 

[prince]

jog around the court sidestepping and scissoring your legs changing left to right .

do this when you are playing

do this with proper court positioning and ball placement

 

[prince]

also get a lot of federer's tapes /dvd and watch not the match but just the way fed moves around.

then follow what you learned.

 

[norcal]

Rely on your 'fight or flight' instinct!

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Check the Footwork section in my posting at:
Great fitness sites
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/viewtopic.php?t=23127
Hope it helps.