Free Pro Workout2
Congratulations on Moving a Step Closer to Improving your Movement and Footwork on Court.
Warning – Before you get started with your FREE Program you will need to read this.
Here is the misconception!
We have seen time and time again, players wasting their time training the incorrect way.
Quality tennis footwork could be the most critical element for a solid game. You have to get it right!
Lets look at how you should structure all your footwork drills.
Have you noticed how well Roger Federer moves?
It can be hard to understand how smooth and graceful he moves when you watch on TV, but it was only until I saw him train and play in person, I truly appreciated why he is regarded as the greatest mover in the game.
While we can’t promise you’ll reach the same standard as Federer, there are proven ways to improve your tennis footwork on court.
We’d like to share the ‘Tennis Fitness, Martin Method” movement patterns that we use daily with the professional players who work with us.
And don’t worry it will work for you also, no matter what level you play at.
The thing is all tennis players have something in common, they all want to move better on court.
Lets show you how this can be done.
Firstly it’s important you understand there are six types of foot work steps used on the tennis court.
1. PREP STEP
2. SPLIT STEP
3. FIRST STEP
4. CROSSOVER STEP
5. TRANSITION STEPS
6. MULTI-DIRECTIONAL STEP
Once you understand this, you can then plan your tennis training around the footwork steps you feel need more work.
For the majority of tennis players the first step is the most critical…however we will explain more about that later on.
1. PREP STEP
Prep Steps are small controlled steps that are used when preparing to set-up for a shot.
Instead of taking large forceful steps, it is better to take small controlled rapid steps, which allows for better body position and the ability to change direction at the last moment if needed.
Prep steps are generally used when moving forward to the ball or when a player has time on their ground strokes.
Prep steps are performed by holding a wide leg base, staying predominately on your forefoot, with knees slightly bent and maintaining good athletic posture.
Holding this position, you should take controlled dynamic small steps when getting in position to hit the ball.
2. SPLIT STEP
The split step is a fundamental step for all players. It is important to get it functioning right and use it as often as possible.
The split step is generally used when starting a dynamic movement such as returning serve or preparing to move to hit a ground stroke.
The split step is performed by pushing up off the toes, jumping a few inches in the air and dynamically moving towards the direction of the ball.
3. FIRST STEP
The first step is one of the most important factors in dynamic court movement. The nature of tennis means that players rarely run more than five metres in one direction during most points, so that quick first step is critical.
The first step is the one taken directly after the split step or the first step taken in any direction.
We generally consider the first 2-3 steps part of the first step (acceleration).
What we find important is that you lean toward the direction you need to go and step first with the leg closet to the direction you are heading (except in a cross over step).
The first step is as much about attitude and mentality, as it is about the physicality of it.
Having an aggressive and assertive approach to your first step will help promote good dynamic court movement.
4. CROSSOVER STEP
Many players use the crossover step when changing direction moving laterally.
It is an efficient way to set-up the initial lateral movement.
By taking the outside leg and crossing it over the inside leg, players can then go into a lateral shuffle.
Players that have a dynamic cross over step, will be able to get into position a lot easier which will continually put pressure on their opponent.
5. TRANSITION STEPS
The steps taken when changing direction on court are known as transition steps.
These steps are critical for moving quickly around court as they provide players with more time.
Transition steps are performed through multi-directional movements.
Once a movement has finished, such as a wide forehand being hit, the transition step is the first one taken in a multi-directional plane (diagonal, lateral, forward or backward).
We typically refer to the transition step (load and lean) when pushing off in a diagonal plane.
6. MULTI-DIRECTIONAL STEP
Multi-directional steps take place on nearly every point played in tennis.
They are a combination of steps 1-5, as well as the movement between each shot.
Possessing good multi-directional movement gives players the ability to maintain good posture, while getting themselves in the best position more often.
Effective multi-directional steps leads to an increase in court agility and fluid movement.
Now you have an understanding of all the six tennis footwork steps you use on court.
