Footwork Tips for Supreme Court Coverage
Mastering the art of footwork is the cornerstone of a successful game. And no matter what level you play at, your ability to cover the court with agility and precision can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll share some invaluable footwork tips that will elevate your court coverage and help you excel your game.
- Keep Your Feet Active
Your feet should begin moving before the opponent’s serve, and be active for the entire duration of the point. Keep the majority of your weight on the balls of your feet. This facilitates swift movement and allows you to react quickly to your opponent’s shots. Being light on your feet not only improves your speed but also enhances your ability to change direction effortlessly.
- Split Step: Anticipate, React, Dominate
The split step is a fundamental technique that enhances your readiness on the court. Just before your opponent strikes the ball, perform a small jump and land with your feet slightly apart. The width of your feet should be 1.5 times the player’s shoulder width. This split step prepares your body to move in any direction, giving you a split-second advantage in reacting to the ball.
- Controlled Steps: Navigate the Court with Precision
When moving around the court, focus on taking controlled steps. Using large first steps, push out of the split step and get moving in the direction of the ball. You can then make small adjustment steps as you get closer to the ball. This not only conserves energy but also allows for quicker adjustments to the ball’s trajectory.
- Craft Your Stance and Contact Moves
The stance you adopt and the way you manoeuvre during contact can significantly influence the outcome of your shots. Stance options are varied, each contributing to a distinct shot style. A neutral stance, with the feet side-on to the net, an open stance, facing the net front-on, the semi-open stance, a balance between the two, and the closed stance, with the front foot across the body. Usually, if the ball is fast and deep, or wide, we use semi-open or open stances. If the ball is slower then we would step into the court using a neutral stance. These stances lay the groundwork for your shots.
Complementing this, the contact move – the dynamic interplay of feet and hips during ball impact – adds finesse to your execution. Whether gliding into a neutral stance for a swift return or leveraging a closed stance for stability in a powerful shot, understanding and mastering these elements can transform your tennis game into a captivating performance on the court.
- Recover Quickly
After each shot, prioritise a quick recovery to the ideal ready position. The faster you can reset, the more prepared you’ll be for your opponent’s next move. Practise this aspect of footwork consistently to maintain control over the pace of the game.
Superior footwork is the secret weapon that sets champions apart. Implement these footwork tips into your training regimen and witness the transformation in your court coverage. Remember, the court is your stage, and with the right footwork, you can dance across it with confidence.
Stay tuned for more insights, tips, and training techniques from Meehan Tennis Academy, and if you’re ready to learn or improve on your tennis skills, you can register for a free trial group class today!