January 2004 -- One of the biggest differences between the professional players we watch on television and club players is the percentage of shots for which the player is actually in position. This has a great deal to do with footspeed, anticipation, effort and balance. Club players tend to hit a large percentage of shots off-balance and “strung out” instead of using footwork to get in the proper position and hit from a balanced stance. This is why the court appears so much smaller for the pros and they rarely seem like they are lunging for shots. They strike the ball where they want to instead of wherever the ball happens to be. A more common description of this is playing “over one’s feet.” This means that the upper body stays balanced over the top of the player’s legs instead of constantly leaning and lunging, which results in off-balance shots.
Another good analogy to help students picture this balance is to imagine playing within a large bubble. As the player moves, the bubble moves with her, but each time she reaches without stepping or using proper footwork, the bubble pops. Using this illustration helps to keep one’s feet under the body during groundstrokes, volleys and overheads. It is especially important on the run when form is even more essential. Picture a good player hitting a running forehand, for instance. The feet move quickly to get the body in position so that the racquet can remain under control and strike the ball at the optimal height and position. Many club players will reach and lose racquet control on balls that need good footwork. A lack of good footwork causes strokes to break down when players are on the move or under pressure.
There will, of course, be times when even good players pop the bubble. They merely hope that it is due to a difficult shot from their opponent rather than a loss of focus or fatigue. Beginners and advanced beginners will reach without moving and lose control as they try to progress to the next level. These players should stay in the bubble by maintaining good posture when hitting and letting their feet do most of the work. As they improve, club players will begin hitting a greater percentage of their shots from within the bubble. So if you’re looking for inspiration to improve your footwork, go with the good witch from the
Wizard of Oz and float along in your bubble as you stay balanced on your strokes.
Three things to try that will keep you in your bubble:
- Keep your eyes and head still on the contact point throughout the shot. This allows for clean hits, resulting in the effortless feel all players strive for.
- Move your feet early and quickly to get in position. Trying to beat the ball to a spot will allow the proper setup without lunging.
- Prepare the racquet early in order to adjust for anything that might otherwise cause a loss of balance (wind, bad bounce, etc.).
