Weird Split Stepping

[thebossofbosses]

Hey guys,

So I really need to improve my footwork so I have been trying to start out with the split step.
I always forget so it has been a really slow progression.
But I have noticed, that in matches where I am losing by a good margin I start split stepping automatically and my footwork drastically improves.

Any thoughts on why this happens, and maybe how to transfer this good footwork to the practice court and to all matches?

 

[thebossofbosses]

bump.......

 

[Lukhas]

The splitstep makes your muscles ready to move and react. You obtain a "spring effect". Well, you don't need to think too deep about it, it works after all. About putting it into matches... Well you pretty much just have to think about it until your body records it in your muscle memory.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

When you start split-stepping you are undoubtedly getting into a rhythm, syncing up with your opponent's shots, which helps with the rest of your footwork (and your ability to return shots more consistently & effectively).

Try some footwork patterns on the court (no ball). Start with a ready position and ready steps (preparation steps). After a few ready steps, initiate a split step, then a step out, move (walk/run) to another location (to intercept/swing at an imaginary ball), and then perform your recovery steps (mostly side shuffle steps) and then perform another split step to repeat the sequence (for another imaginary ball).

If you have a partner, have them perform shadow swings so that you have a reference for your split steps. As your partner executes the forward swing to an imaginary contact, perform your split step. The links below show some ready steps (prep steps) and some footwork patterns:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOBp28QWuto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeulkhbbUxU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YTjqzyvhmo

You can also practice ready steps, split steps and other footwork with mini-tennis. Here are a couple of pros (C Woz and Andre Agassi) doing just that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFAazh6p2BY&t=2m50s (at 2:50)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PF1kfJSia4&t=1m33s (at 1:33)

For more about split-steps, the step out & other footwork steps, refer to this thread:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=473345
.

 

[DavaiMarat]

Well done SA. Well done.