return of serve split step timing

[2ndServe]

if I stand back the split step timing feels fine but in doubles it's just too much time for the net guy. But if I'm standing on the baseline to take time away from the net guy and angle away from the server my split step is very off timing wise, sometimes I feel ok sometimes I feel stuck or too late. It's exasperated by playing with a very heavy racket and a 1hbh and I'm always facing active forehand poachers on the duece court. Off a good 4.5 5.0 serve and returning on or inside the baseline are you split stepping differently.

 

[Topspin Shot]

Initiate the split step when your opponent swings at the ball, so you're at the top of the hop when he contacts the ball. By the time you're about to land, you should know where the ball is going, and you can react accordingly.

 

[spaceman_spiff]

I'm struggling to understand how your split-step would change based on where you're standing.

I can understand how your swing can feel late or your movement after the split-step can feel too slow given that you don't have as much time to react. But, the split-step shouldn't change based on your starting position.

 

[mightyrick]

Return of serve is probably one of the best parts of my game. I basically walk up two small steps when the ball leaves the server's hand (from the toss) and then split step when the server makes contact with the ball.

I've experimented with using one step or three steps, but the timing never seems to be right. Two steps seems to be the magic number.

 

[red rook]

I have heard to picture a box around where contact with the serve will be made. When the ball enters into this box is when you split step. This initiates the split step slightly earlier to account for a usually faster ball.

 

[TennisCJC]

I'm struggling to understand how your split-step would change based on where you're standing.

I can understand how your swing can feel late or your movement after the split-step can feel too slow given that you don't have as much time to react. But, the split-step shouldn't change based on your starting position.

me too. timing of split-step is in relation to server's ball contact and has no relationship to where you are standing. But, standing closer in may require a more compact stroke and quicker reactions as you have less time from server contact to your return contact.