Go to header Skip to main content Go to footer
Tennis technique

The usefulness of the pas chassé in tennis

In tennis, the pas chassé is the basis of footwork. They allow us to move quickly towards the ball while keeping our body facing the court, so that we can always keep our eyes on the ball and our opponent. Develop your footwork with the tennis study programme offered by thetennis academy.

How do you do a pas chassé in tennis?

Pas chassés are an essential technique for moving quickly sideways on the court. They enable players to position themselves efficiently while remaining ready to hit the ball. To perform them correctly, it is important to observe a few key points:

  • 1. Starting position

    Get into an athletic position with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and your body weight on the balls of your feet.

  • 2. Lateral displacement

    To move sideways, start by pushing with the foot opposite the direction you want to go. If you’re moving to the right, push with your left foot and vice versa.

  • 3. Parallel feet

    The feet must remain parallel to the ground and must not cross. This movement is particularly fluid and allows you to maintain good balance without sacrificing speed.

  • 4. Keeping the body low

    Keep your body low for a better centre of gravity and to be ready to react to a fast ball. Your shoulders should be slightly forward and your arms should follow the movement naturally.

  • 5. Breathing and control

    Finally, stay relaxed and breathe regularly to avoid premature fatigue. Chasing steps should be quick and silent, as if you were gliding across the floor.
     

Why not make a noise when playing tennis?

pas chassées tennis

It’s often advisable to minimise footsteps when moving around in tennis, particularly with the chassé step. Here’s why:

  • Energy saving: Quiet steps indicate that you are moving in a fluid and controlled manner. Making noise when running or chasing can be a sign of sudden movements or excessive contact with the ground, which uses more energy. By keeping your movements smooth and quiet, you save energy, which is crucial in long, intense matches.
  • Better stability: Loud noises on the court can be the result of poor foot placement, especially if you hit the ground with too much force. This kind of movement can throw your game off balance and increase the risk of injury. By remaining silent, you have better control of your footing and can get back on your feet quickly after a shot.
  • Concentration and fluidity: Noise can also distract you or your opponent and interfere with your concentration. Smoother, quieter movements mean a better connection between your movements and your actions on the court.

How do you do cross-steps in tennis?

Cross-steps are another important movement technique, often used to cover a greater distance or to react to a fast ball sent sideways. Here’s how to do them correctly:

  • 1. Fast travel

    Unlike chassé steps, cross-steps involve crossing one foot in front of or behind the other to cover more ground. If you need to move quickly to the right, cross your left foot in front of your right foot first, and vice versa for the left side.

  • 2. Maintaining balance

    As with the pas chassé, it’s essential to keep your body low, your knees bent and your weight centred to maintain your balance. Speed must not compromise your stability.

  • 3. Anticipation and positioning

    Cross steps are particularly useful when you need to reposition yourself after being moved to the far end of the court. They save time and allow you to find a favourable position to prepare your next shot.

  • 4. Return to home position

    Once you’ve covered the distance, return to a balanced position by using chassé steps to finalise your placement, as they are more precise for adjusting the small movements required before striking.

Which muscles are involved in the pas chassé in the warm-up?

Pas chassés are not only a useful movement technique during matches, but also an excellent warm-up exercise that calls on several essential muscle groups. The main muscles involved are :

  • Quadriceps and hamstrings: Located at the front and back of the thighs, these muscles are used extensively during leg flexion and extension movements. They enable you to maintain a bent position and push powerfully to initiate lateral movement.
  • Buttocks: The buttock muscles play a key role in propelling the body sideways. They provide the strength needed for fast, explosive movements.
  • Adductors: The muscles on the inside of the thighs, the adductors, are particularly in demand during the pas chassé. They help stabilise the legs and control lateral movement.
  • Calves: The calves also work during pas chassés, as they help to keep the weight of the body on the soles of the feet and provide extra propulsion for fast movements.
  • Core muscles: Maintaining balance is paramount during the pas chassé, and this involves constant activation of the abdominal and back muscles. These muscles help to stabilise the trunk and ensure fluid, controlled movements.

Incorporating the chassé steps into a warm-up routine helps to prepare these key muscle groups for physical exertion and prevent injury during the match. They also improve lateral mobility, which is essential for effective play on court.

Discover our courses

Where would you like to go?

France

Mouratoglou Academy, Biot, French Riviera, France

académie de tennis mouratoglou infrastructure vue aerienne drone

  • USA

  • EUROPE

  • ASIA

  • MIDDLE-EAST

Who would you like to contact?

FRANCE

Mouratoglou Academy, Biot, French Riviera, FRANCE

académie de tennis mouratoglou infrastructure vue aerienne drone

  • USA

  • EUROPE

  • ASIA

  • MIDDLE EAST