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Tennis technique
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Tennis footwork: Techniques to improve your footwork

Footwork is a fundamental aspect of tennis that directly influences the quality of your shots, your ability to defend and attack, and your endurance on court. A good command of footwork allows you to position yourself quickly, react effectively to your opponent’s shots andoptimise your shots from the baseline. In this article, we’ll find out how a tennis study programme at the famous MouratoglouTennis Academy can help you master the best techniques for improving your footwork and becoming more agile on the court.

1. Why is footwork crucial in tennis?

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The importance of investment

Good footwork allows you to position yourself quickly and efficiently for each shot:

  • Anticipation: With good footwork, you can anticipate the direction of the ball and position yourself quickly, ensuring optimal placement for every shot.
  • Consistency: By being well positioned, you can hit the ball more consistently and accurately, keeping control of the rally.
  • Fewer faults: Correct positioning thanks to good footwork helps you avoid errors caused by poorly executed shots or awkward positions.
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Fatigue and endurance

Footwork is also linked to endurance:

  • Energy management: By optimising your movements, you save energy and stay fresh for longer in the match.
  • Reducing fatigue: A player who masters his footwork is able to cover more ground without tiring quickly, which is particularly important during long exchanges from the baseline.

2. The basics of tennis footwork

  • Waiting position

    The waiting position is the posture you adopt before your opponent strikes the ball:

    • Feet shoulder-width apart: This provides good balance and increased responsiveness.
    • Knees slightly bent: Keep your knees bent so you can react quickly in any direction.
    • On your toes: Staying on your toes allows you to move more quickly as soon as the ball is struck.

  • The adjustment step

    The adjustment step is an essential part of footwork:

    • Small quick steps: Use small steps to adjust your position in relation to the ball, allowing you to hit in the best possible posture.
    • Pre-stroke preparation: These small steps help you get into the right position to hit the ball with stability and balance.

  • Weight transfer

    Good footwork means effective weight transfer when striking:

    • Forward weight transfer: When you strike the ball, transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot to generate more power and control.
    • Post-strike balance: After striking the ball, make sure you regain your balance quickly to prepare for the next strike.
       

3. Exercises to improve your tennis footwork

  • Exercise 1: Shadow tennis

    Shadow tennis consists of simulating tennis movements without a ball:

    • Exercise: Stand on the court and move as if you were following a rally, hitting imaginary shots while concentrating on your movements.
    • Objective: To improve your footwork, lateral movements and balance, while strengthening your muscles.
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    Exercise 2: Speed scales

    Using speed ladders is an excellent way to work on your speed and reflexes:

    • Exercise: Place a speed ladder on the floor and make quick up and down movements inside the squares. Concentrate on your small steps and coordination.
    • Objective: To develop the agility, speed and responsiveness that are essential for effective footwork.

  • Exercise 3: Chasing steps

    The pas chassé is an essential movement for moving sideways:

    • Exercise: Take a series of chassé steps from one side of the court to the other, keeping your posture low and balanced.
    • Objective: To improve your lateral movements and strengthen your legs for greater stability and speed.

4. Tips for optimising your footwork at the back of the court

  • Anticipating your opponent's moves

    Good anticipation saves you time and energy when you’re on the move:

    • Reading the game: Learn to read your opponent’s movements and the trajectory of the ball to anticipate his shots and position yourself quickly.
    • Staying on your toes: Always be ready to move in all directions to react effectively to your opponent’s shot.

  • Managing lateral movements

    Lateral movements are particularly important at the back of the court:

    • Stay low: Keeping a low posture when moving sideways keeps you balanced and stable.
    • Use the cross-step: In addition to the pas chassé, the cross-step is useful for covering long distances quickly while remaining well positioned.

  • Reposition quickly

    After each strike, it is essential to return quickly to the neutral position:

    • Return to the centre: After hitting the ball, quickly return to the centre of the court so you’re ready to cover the next shot.
    • Quick small steps: Use small steps to adjust your position quickly while remaining well balanced.

5. Common mistakes to avoid in footwork

  • Lack of foresight

    Failing to anticipate your opponent’s shots can lead to late moves:

    • Mistake: Waiting until the ball is too close before starting to move.
    • Solution: Stay alert to your opponent’s movements and anticipate the direction of the ball so you can react more quickly.

  • Hopping around

    Jumping can make your movements inefficient and tire your legs:

    • Mistake: Jumping instead of taking small, quick steps to adjust your position.
    • Solution: Concentrate on taking small steps on the ground to maintain your balance and allow smoother movements.

  • Lack of reactivity after a keystroke

    Remaining static after hitting the ball exposes you to quick shots from your opponent:

    • Mistake: Not getting back into position quickly after hitting the ball.
    • Solution: Work on returning quickly to a neutral position after each shot so that you’re ready to cover the next ball.

Conclusion

Footwork in tennis is a fundamental element that directly influences your performance. By working on your positioning, responsiveness and anticipation, you’ll be able to cover the court more effectively and hit more accurate, consistent shots from the baseline. The exercises on offer will help you to improve your agility, speed and balance, which are essential if you are to become a more complete player. Don’t forget to avoid common mistakes to optimise your movements and better manage long rallies.

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FRANCE

Mouratoglou Academy, Biot, French Riviera, FRANCE

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  • USA

  • EUROPE

  • ASIA

  • MIDDLE EAST