Although people might not discuss it as frequently as the mechanics of various strokes and shots, footwork plays a very important role in tennis. With all the ground that you must cover on a tennis court, your feet need to constantly move to stay in a point.
Balls at Your Feet
Step 1
Position your partner at the net, with a supply of at least 10 to 12 balls. Assume a spot near the service line on the other side of the net, racket in hand.
Step 2
Move your weight to your toes, alternating between feet as your practice partner begins throwing balls -- with moderate pace -- at your feet. Adjust your position with small steps so as to be able to hit the balls back across the net.
Step 3
Repeat this activity until you have grown accustomed to using constant small steps to make minor adjustments to your position and remain on your toes. Return to the baseline and begin a normal rally with your practice partner, continuing to use the small steps even though the balls are not directed at your feet.
Carioca Step
Step 1
Position yourself at the baseline and have your partner feed balls that land no deeper than the service line to your backhand side.
Step 2
Move forward to hit the balls as if rushing the net. Turn your body sideways as you near the ball. Strike the backhand while continuing to move forward while you remain sideways to the net by crossing your left leg behind the right at the moment of impact with the ball.
Step 3
Advance your right foot following this carioca step without pausing and transition smoothly to a front-facing position, still moving. Continue progress to the net until you get close enough to the net to reach out and touch it with your racket. Move your feet in small adjusting steps to prepare to react to your opponent's next shot.
Tips and Warnings
- Constantly using the small adjusting steps that are required in the drill featuring balls thrown at your feet will become second nature with time and effort. The carioca step will also become much more fluid with repetition.
Things You'll Need
- Tennis racket
- Tennis balls
- Practice partner
References
- Tennis 4 You: The Split Step; Scott Baker
- "Tennis Strokes and Tactics: Improve Your Game"; John Littleford and Andrew Magrath; 2009
- iSport Tennis: Tennis Control Drills : Moving the Feet Tennis Drills; Mark Hill; April 2010
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