How to back up during a rally?

[Funbun]

I know this may sound rather simple of a question, but what is the proper footwork to back up during a rally?

Say, for example, you're given a ball a little into the court from the middle. How should you properly back up if they return your ball with a deeper (more topspin, hits the line, etc.) ball back to the middle?

I realized I just don't know what to do after I split step when I notice my hitting partner has given me a deeper ball straight back at me. I tend to just awkwardly stumble backwards.

 

[Raid]

there are many ways, it all depends on how fast you have to move back.

take a look at a step called carioca step, it might help you.

 

[Funbun]

So I should turn sideways and carioca? I'll try that.

 

[armsty]

Short answer. Watch Federer play.

My footwork during a point, if I am doing it all correct is splitstep just after (split second) the opponent hits the ball, push off to get to the ball, get balanced, stroke, push back to the middle, keep feet moving all the time, split step and so on.

 

[Raid]

So I should turn sideways and carioca? I'll try that.

yes and no, well, as I said, it all depends on what kind of ball you will have to chase, how fast you have to move, etc

one of the possible ways is carioca stepping

 

[Cindysphinx]

I realized I just don't know what to do after I split step when I notice my hitting partner has given me a deeper ball straight back at me. I tend to just awkwardly stumble backwards.

I had this problem for a long time, and sometimes I still have it.

I was told to *get out of the path of the ball.* Meaning you move (probably so that you could hit a FH) sideways. Then you can move forwards or backward to adjust to ball height.

To try to get this concept through my thick skull, pro told me he was going to throw a ball right at me, and I was to avoid it by backing up. Of course the ball struck me. Then he told me to get out of the way by moving sideway. It was easy to avoid the ball.

Same thing when you're going to hit the ball rather than avoid it.

Cindy -- who learned this the hard way in a singles match when her opponent figured out in the second set that any ball aimed at her would force an error

 

[The Seeker]

there are many ways, it all depends on how fast you have to move back.

take a look at a step called carioca step, it might help you.

Why is that move called carioca?
I was just wondering, because carioca is a person who was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

[VaBeachTennis]

I know this may sound rather simple of a question, but what is the proper footwork to back up during a rally?

Say, for example, you're given a ball a little into the court from the middle. How should you properly back up if they return your ball with a deeper (more topspin, hits the line, etc.) ball back to the middle?

I realized I just don't know what to do after I split step when I notice my hitting partner has given me a deeper ball straight back at me. I tend to just awkwardly stumble backwards.

This video may help you:
http://www.youtube.com/user/10sDog#p/u/5/9hWslMBCoYE

It courtesy of this gentleman on this thread/post:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=4217847&postcount=191

 

[Nellie]

"carioca" - ?!?

Cindy has some good comments above - turn side ways (45 degree) and back pedal to get out of the path of the ball .

If you move backwards, straight in the path of the ball, you will be defensive (hard to turn and hit with weight due to your momentum) and your will fall!

 

[xFullCourtTenniSx]

First thing, turn sideways.

Second thing, move sideways (or in this case, move forward or backpedal) to give yourself room to hit the ball.

Third thing, push off the front foot and sidestep (don't carioca step).

Fourth thing, plant the back foot and throw up a high ball back.

Fifth thing, combine steps 1 through 4 into one fluid motion right off the split step.

This is ordered in terms of importance as well as chronological order.

 

[bukaeast]

Why is that move called carioca?
I was just wondering, because carioca is a person who was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Named after the dance, popular before 1950s. Dance movement crosses one foot in front of/behind the other similar to the tennis footwork.

 

[The Seeker]

Named after the dance, popular before 1950s. Dance movement crosses one foot in front of/behind the other similar to the tennis footwork.

Never heard of it. Popular where?