Tennis Footwork Drills: Split Step, Recovery and Court Movement

A practical guide to movement patterns that improve timing and positioning.

Start with the split step

A small hop timed to the opponent's contact improves reaction.

Use adjustment steps

Short steps near the ball help fine-tune spacing.

Recover with purpose

Move back toward a useful court position after each shot.

Train direction changes

Tennis movement is rarely straight-line running.

Add the ball gradually

Master the pattern first, then combine it with hitting.