Hey partner,

Good friends tell each other things they might not want to hear, but that they need to hear. And today we want to tell you that your tennis game won’t reach the next level unless you spend enough time and focus on the relatively unglamorous but essential pursuit of good footwork.

It’s the engine of your game, and without solid fundamentals, even the best strokes will struggle to shine.

Why footwork reigns as the supreme tennis skill

Great footwork allows you to:

• Get to the ball efficiently: No wasted steps, no lunging.

• Set up properly: Giving you the best chance to hit a quality shot.

• Recover quickly: Be ready for the next shot the opponent sends your way.

• Maintain balance: Crucial for power and control.

Even if you're not the fastest player on the court, smart footwork can make you feel fast and drastically improve your game.

Three key steps to better footwork

1. The ready position and split step

Why? This is your starting block, your launchpad for every shot. Take a small, coordinated hop that allows you to react instantly to your opponent's shot. Without it, you're always a step behind.

How? Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and racket out in front. Just before your opponent makes contact with the ball, perform a small hop, landing light balls of your feet. This primes your body to explode in any direction. Practice this in shadow tennis, focusing on timing your split step with your opponent’s imaginary contact.

2. Small, quick adjustment steps

Why? Big, lumbering steps might feel powerful, but they’re slow and put you off balance. Tennis is a game of constant micro-adjustments. Using small, quick steps allows you to fine-tune your position, ensuring you hit the ball in your ideal contact zone.

How? After your split step, take tiny, rapid steps to move towards the ball. Think of shuffling or stutter-stepping rather than sprinting. Keep your knees bent and stay light on your feet. These small steps are particularly vital as you approach the ball, helping you get the perfect distance and angle for your swing.

3. Recover to the centre

Why? After hitting your shot, your work isn't done. Recovering back towards the center of the court (or your ideal ready position) is crucial for preparing for the next ball. If you linger after hitting a shot, you'll be out of position for the return, making it harder to defend or attack.

How? As soon as you finish your follow-through, immediately begin moving back towards the middle of the baseline or your optimal doubles position. Don't watch your shot! Use short, quick shuffle steps or a crossover step to get back efficiently, ready for the next rally.

Investing the time in improving your footwork is worth it, even though it can feel like a bit of a slog at times. Once you break through the pain barrier you’ll see huge gains in the quality of your strokes and your overall tennis game.

Stick with it!