Split Stepping

[jarofmy]

Hey guys, I'm not really a great player and have just started getting serious about tennis less than a year ago. I'm a second year in Highschool and I play for the team. I've been hearing alot about split stepping, but am not quite sure what it is exactly. Can someone please help describe or post a video of some sort which will further explain the split step. I'm not sure, but isn't it just jumping quick low hops so you can burst into the direction of the ball faster?

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Always check the Sticky first (topmost thread):
there is a posting there by Noelle on this subject
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=52153&page=2
showing some great links.

Also, do some searches:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php
keywords: split step

there are several threads already

 

[snowpuppy]

split step basically is "jumping quick low hops so you can burst into the direction of the ball faster". The thing you are really trying to accomplish is getting ready for the next ball, which is:

- getting your racquet back into position
- recover you feet to be in a ready stance
- regain overall balance on your body
- keeping your toes for the next ball
- getting ready to hop to the next return's location

 

[Pomeranian]

I would say split stepping may be the most important things in tennis. I don't know how many people could return serves without split stepping properly. It also keeps you balanced, which is why you can go in any direction. Split stepping didn't really "sink in" at first for me. But when people start hitting the serves harder, it became crucial. When people started hitting groundstrokes with better placement and authority, it was also needed.

The key is to time it right and to be balanced when you land.

Timing is something you have to use your judgement on. For me, I generally do it when people make are about to make contact with the ball. But you have to keep in mind, not all their shots will travel at the same speed.

 

[freelans]

I agree that splitstepping is one of the most important habits in tennis.
Can anyone give some tips on how to ingrain it better? I seem to forget to splitstep and get lazy all the time.

 

[Mahboob Khan]

Split stepping or a brief hop allows the player to control his/her forward momentum and then change direction to either side.

An instant before your opponent strikes the ball, you apply breaks (split-step), and move to the side where the ball is!

 

[jarofmy]

Thanks for the advice guys, I find that when I try split stepping in game, it seems as though I lose alot of energy. Perhaps I'm doing it wrong, or am I not suppose to be split stepping as much? Haha I'm sorry I'm new at this.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Thanks for the advice guys, I find that when I try split stepping in game, it seems as though I lose alot of energy. Perhaps I'm doing it wrong, or am I not suppose to be split stepping as much? Haha I'm sorry I'm new at this.

you may be out of shape. get into rope jumping.

you must split once right before your opponents hits, not more frequently than that, understood?

if you can't do that, you're in bad shape, no doubt.

check my signature here:

Great fitness sites
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=33800

esp the Footwork section

 

[papa]

Split stepping or a brief hop allows the player to control his/her forward momentum and then change direction to either side.

An instant before your opponent strikes the ball, you apply breaks (split-step), and move to the side where the ball is!

Yes, excellent. However, many think one has to come to a "complete stop" which isn't right. I like the phrase "apply breaks" as compared to coming to a stop.

 

[Mahboob Khan]

Thanks, Papa.