Golden Retriever
Hall of Fame
Split steps are very important but my knees get tired fast from doing the split steps. For older players is there any easier ways to do the split steps? Maybe slow split steps?
Split steps for older players.
- Thread starter Golden Retriever
- Start date
hacker_101
New User
Try this...(It saves energy)
http://fatsotennis.com/uncategorized/never-before-seen-tennis-technique-fatso-splitstep/
http://fatsotennis.com/uncategorized/never-before-seen-tennis-technique-fatso-splitstep/
Djokovicfan4life
Legend
The point is to get on your toes. Whether you bunny hop or just rise off the heels is irrelevant.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Split step alternative
As LeeD indicates, "on your toes" really means "on the balls of the feet".
Some badminton players employ a split step alternative that should work fairly well for older tennis players. Feet should be somewhat apart (as LeeD mentioned previously). As the opponent is contacting the ball, suddenly drop the center of gravity a bit by employing a moderate knee bend -- do not really need a major knee bend for this. As the knees bend, let the heels come off the ground (so that you are now on the balls of the feet).
Note that this is a timing move (just as a split step is a timing step). It is important to time the movement in order to sync yourself to your opponent's stroke. If timed correctly, the result should be an easier, quicker movement in the desired direction to best intercept the ball.
As LeeD indicates, "on your toes" really means "on the balls of the feet".
Some badminton players employ a split step alternative that should work fairly well for older tennis players. Feet should be somewhat apart (as LeeD mentioned previously). As the opponent is contacting the ball, suddenly drop the center of gravity a bit by employing a moderate knee bend -- do not really need a major knee bend for this. As the knees bend, let the heels come off the ground (so that you are now on the balls of the feet).
Note that this is a timing move (just as a split step is a timing step). It is important to time the movement in order to sync yourself to your opponent's stroke. If timed correctly, the result should be an easier, quicker movement in the desired direction to best intercept the ball.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Just took a look at the Fatso Split Step. This look like it might also work. I would still suggest incorporating a bit of a knee bend as I outlined in my previous post.
I don't want to rain on his parade but many of us have been using this approach for years with the more mature players. The strange thing is that you don't even need to get your heels off the court for it to work, just put pressure on the balls of your feet or press on your toes and you'll achieve the same results - almost. But, the bottom line is, that using either method will work "better" than just standing there with your weight on your heels.
The best thing is the split step - if you can't/won't do this at least get the weight forward by pressing on the toes.
I have never struggled with weight although I do/always have watched what I eat and certainly get a lot of exercise. I think tennis is a great form of exercise but I do get concerned when players look to shed weight by jumping into the sport hoping its the magic bullet. I've seen too many encounter serious health related issues by engaging in too strenuous exercises after long periods of being rather idle - especially this time of the year. So, start slow, lose some weight and enjoy the sport and don't try to do too much too early.
