Footwork is the foundation for building solid technique - technique that can grow with a player. Good footwork enhances powerful, controlled shot-making and increases player efficiency. Footwork also is the foundation for the transition into the modern game, where use of the kinetic chain and angular momentum has helped define the era.

The traditional groundstroke footwork pattern, turn-step-hit, establishes a linear (straight line) type of hitting, where momentum comes from stepping into ball contact.

Prevalent among advanced players today are semiopen and open hitting stances created by a footwork pattern we've shortened to a name indicative of today's power game - load-explode-land. The loading of the outside leg, the explosion of the shot (especially when hit extremely aggressively), and the landing on the appropriate foot to aid in balance and a quick recovery, are the hallmarks of a more angular style of hitting.

In describing movement, the direction is used along with the type of steps used to execute the movement. This is general as players may choose a step based on position or their own style of movement.

Movement

• Forward - turning toward the ball, the hips face the direction of movement, as in walking or running
• Lateral - moving to the ball with the hips facing the net, shuffling or sidestepping
• Backward - running around the backhand, one turns the hips and shoulders for a forehand, then moves backward into position
• Diagonal - both backward and forward, turning toward the anticipated line of interception for the shot

This is an excerpt from the USPTA Player Development insert Vol. 2, No. 4. To view the entire insert, click here.