So after reading GC’s blog I wanted to get involved and write about the ready position and split step. The ready position is the foundation for all your footwork. As Coach GC was explaining it at last week’s drop in clinic he said the “ready position is an athletic stance” that allows you to move in any direction of the tennis court quickly. For the ready position you want your knees slightly bent and feet shoulder width apart. You must stay on the balls of your feet with heels of the floor and racquet out in front and facing up. Shoulders relaxed! This should center your weight down and allow you to move explosively in any direction of the court. The feeling of the ready position should be almost like sitting on a tall chair. Your eyes should always remain on your opponent or better yet the ball. The ready position ensures you that you’re ready to play. The split step comes in after your ready position. Basically a split step is a small hop you take after you’re ready position. After you take that small hop your weight needs to come down on both of your legs so you can push of explosively to the direction of the tennis ball. For me the split step is like a reset button that tells my body to get ready for the incoming ball. The best time to split step is when your opponent is about to make contact with the ball. Since we do not have superpowers to mind read our opponents shot selection the split step will insure us that we will move in any direction as explosively as possible.
Awesome work Coach Jack, thanks so much for taking the time to write something so crucial to the game. It's a simple move but it's the base for all great footwork, this is where it all starts, "split step" and move!
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