Develop Great Footwork As a former collegiate tennis player, I understand the significance of having great footwork. I also understand that great footwork can be difficult to achieve. But if you aim to hit better strokes and improve your level of play, footwork is principal. Fortunately, through proper training, every level of player has the potential to enhance their footwork.
MOVE MORE PLAY BETTER
The game of tennis revolves around footwork. Consequently, we often find the best players generally have the best footwork. If we were to categorize a player’s skill level into four categories – beginner, intermediate, advanced and tour players – we’d find each skill level usually represents a different level of footwork. For instance, a beginner would move their feet the least, usually taking four to six (4-6) steps between each ball strike; tour players move their feet the most, taking 12 or more steps between ball strikes. Next time you watch a match, regardless of their level, count the number of steps taken between ball strikes. As suggested, you’ll see a correlation between skill level and footwork.
Beginner: 4-6 steps Intermediate: 6-8 steps Advanced: 10-12 steps Tour player: 12+ or more
A LEARNED SKILL
Tennis players who have participated in youth sports such as soccer and basketball have an advantage over their counterparts. These sports develop basic principles of footwork, agility and movement and require the same short, explosive steps as needed in tennis. It’s never too late to kick a soccer ball or play a pick-up game of basketball – they’ll help your tennis game at any age.
A TRAINED SKILL
Possessing outstanding mobility is a result of hard work. A player’s current level of mobility can be improved by learning the correct technique of the split step, shuffle, crossover, recovery steps, and other footwork- developing exercises. It’s important to build your level of mobility in progression, applying your new skills gradually to match play. If you work to develop better footwork, you will see your game improve as well.
- By Scott Mitchell USPTA P1
Fall 2009
Roger Federer 15 Grand Slam world record holder.
Player Appraisal.
Player stories of successes, short falls and comebacks.
