Looking for opinions and advice for 4.0-4.5 level play at the net & splitstep footwork.
The question is - when do you split step, how do you land your feet, and what is the first step?
Everyone knows you're supposed to split step when coming to the net, but what I'm not sure is the exact timing? Are you supposed to start the split step process (i.e. jumping) when your opponent starts to swing the racquet? If so, by the time you land from that jump, are you supposed to know which side of you the ball is coming at? If that is the case, then do you then move your outside feet towards that direction, OR... do you LAND with your outside foot already moving towards that direction and then (if you have time) move the inside step forward?
For example, let's say that the opponent is trying to hit a passing shot to your forehand(right) side. In this case, do you land from your split step 'hop' with your right foot already pointing towards the right side and then if time permits move forward with your left foot?
The other alternative is to still LAND FIRST with both feet pointing towards the middle, then step right (and a little forward) with your right foot, then step forward with your left foot?
So I guess my question is LAND & MOVE AT THE SAME TIME vs LAND THEN MOVE?
I ask this because in a baseline rally where you are supposed to also split step, it doesn't matter as much because you have time, but in volley situations, you don't have enough time and foot work is very important (rather than relying on "swinging").
The question is - when do you split step, how do you land your feet, and what is the first step?
Everyone knows you're supposed to split step when coming to the net, but what I'm not sure is the exact timing? Are you supposed to start the split step process (i.e. jumping) when your opponent starts to swing the racquet? If so, by the time you land from that jump, are you supposed to know which side of you the ball is coming at? If that is the case, then do you then move your outside feet towards that direction, OR... do you LAND with your outside foot already moving towards that direction and then (if you have time) move the inside step forward?
For example, let's say that the opponent is trying to hit a passing shot to your forehand(right) side. In this case, do you land from your split step 'hop' with your right foot already pointing towards the right side and then if time permits move forward with your left foot?
The other alternative is to still LAND FIRST with both feet pointing towards the middle, then step right (and a little forward) with your right foot, then step forward with your left foot?
So I guess my question is LAND & MOVE AT THE SAME TIME vs LAND THEN MOVE?
I ask this because in a baseline rally where you are supposed to also split step, it doesn't matter as much because you have time, but in volley situations, you don't have enough time and foot work is very important (rather than relying on "swinging").