Tennis Tip

Presented by Audra Cohen, Director
Nike Tennis Camp at University of Oklahoma

Tennis Tip: The Foundation of Good Footwork (The Split Step)

The split step is the foundation of footwork in tennis and is an integral part to improving your overall game. However, because of the preciseness of the move, the step is quite challenging to master.

Essentially, the split step is a little “hop” that players take right before they go to hit the ball. Even something this simple can elevate your game, but it involves incredibly precise technique and timing.

Technique

The idea of the “hop” can sometimes be misinterpreted – the movement should be a small bounce used to position your feet in a way that prepares you to be ready for your opponent’s shot before they hit the ball. To achieve a perfect split step, feet should be shoulder-width apart, facing the net and knees should be slightly bent to prepare for a quick takeoff. This technique keeps tennis players light on their feet and off of their heels. Keeping the feet facing the net enables you to push off on either your left or right foot quickly to return your opponent’s shot. Think of the split step as a “reset” to prepare for the next hit.

Timing

Timing can be the most difficult aspect of the split step but is vital when it comes to the quality and accuracy of your return shots. The initial action of a hop should happen just before the opponent makes contact with the ball, and the peak of your jump should be right when your opponent makes contact. Rather than trying to guess which direction your opponent will shoot, establish a proper split step so that moving to either side becomes more fluid. The split step motion will happen on majority of the plays during the match, so it is imperative to learn the appropriate timing. Rinse and repeat this practice until the timing becomes fluid to the rest of your game and watch the number of errors greatly decrease.

The split step is key aspect to any tennis player’s game, and should become second nature, as it is used almost every single play. While it can be hard to master, work on the timing and technique and see how much easier tennis matches become.

For more tips from Audra Cohen and all of our other Nike Tennis Camp Directors visit a Nike Tennis Camp this summer!