Developing A Tennis Split Step

The most basic tennis fundamental is the split step. If you think you know how to make a split step read on because there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. You must focus not only on “when” you make the split step but also on the “where”. We will discuss the timing of it as well as the vertical and lateral position of it. We will also discuss why you make a split step and finally assign practice drills for it.

A split step is nothing more than coming to a balance position so that you are able to change directions. You will come up onto your toes with your feet about shoulder width apart. Your racquet will go to your neutral ready position so that you can move either to the forehand side or the backhand side. In the picture, I am preparing to hit a volley so my ready position is up with my arms out in front of my body.

You want to start to make your split step when the ball bounces on the other side of the net and have completed your split and are in position when the ball is struck by your opponent. It does not matter where you are, you must make your split step on time. I have often heard “When I am approaching, I should get to the service line to make my first split.” This is not necessarily true. You may make it to the service line, you may make it one step … it depends on how balanced you are when you hit and how fast you move your feet. Whoever you are, you always have to split when the ball bounces on the other side.

A split step is made strictly for balance so you are able to change directions and attack the incoming shot. If you hit the ball where you make your split step, your split step was late. You should be able to stop, balance, identify the direction of the ball, then move to it. This also goes for recovering lobs while you are approaching. You should be able to stop, balance, then move backward to cover the shot over your head or your partner’s head. Laterally, you will be able to cover 38% more court in either direction from a stopped split step position than you can if you don’t stop.

As for the lateral position of your split step, the majority of this discussion will happen in the lateral shifting lesson that soon follows this one. Basically, you are going to move with the ball. As the ball goes further left, so will your split step. As the ball goes further right, so will your split step. The exact whys and wheres will follow in the lateral shifting topic.