If you're new to tennis, it's easy to become frustrated by the unique footwork patterns you need to learn. Players and coaches often spend a lot of time working on stroke production, but if you don't position yourself properly your "great swing" will be wasted.
To execute the perfect shot you first need the "correct" position and a stable platform to hit from. You can't fire a canon from a canoe! The best way to improve your footwork and positioning is to practice a range of footwork patterns for quick and efficient movement, reducing the chance of injury and increasing your chance of executing the perfect shot. To improve lateral and bilateral movement and speed up change of direction, try this simple drill:
1. Your partner - standing two to three metres away - gently drops a ball a short distance from you.
2. Use a split step as they release the ball, get to the ball after one bounce, then return it to your partner.
3. Ensure your partner varies the direction and depth of the shot, so you can simulate the movements you'd use in a game.
TFL Training Consultants, Tel: 6733 3689/8328 3607, www.tfl-training.com
Posted Sept 2010
