split-stepreactionfirst step
Why Split-Step Before Every Incoming Ball?
It is not a showy jump; it prepares you to start in any direction as the opponent makes contact.
Start with this check
If your feet are planted while you identify the direction, the first reaction is late and the following steps become too large, costing proper contact spacing.
Try these steps in order
- Watch the moment the opponent's racquet contacts the ball and listen for the sound.
- Make a small hop and land lightly around contact with your weight on both feet.
- Repeat a short reaction drill in which you take only the first step in the direction a partner signals.
Bottom line
Split-step quality is defined not by height but by landing in time with the opponent's contact.
Reviewed sources
Technical evidence is shown separately from community topic signals.
Technical evidence
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