You deserve 10 million subscribers. Your research, technical understanding of the fundamentals, and instructions are world class. Thank you. It would be great if you make a video solely focusing on the return of serve. I'd love to hear your insights.
This and your spin step video is easily the clearest footwork explanation I have ever seen. The video editing is incredibly helpful in helping us understand important parts of the body to focus on. Keep up the good work, you’ve earned yourself a subscriber!
RacquetFlex you are the BEST. I have been watching various videos for the past 60 days. Guys you have me pumped. It's May, 2020 & in Nashville, Tennessee the courts are on Virus shut-down. I am a 73 yr old, overweight, 3.5 player. I am coming back from a battle with diabetes As a former recreational player I will start my come back journey as the Virus shut-down passes & the parks tennis courts open.. Your have the BEST Split Step Video on the net. I hope RacquetFlex is still in business. I want to be one of your oldest CONVERTS......JL Kent, the Big Easy
Well done! And honestly, maybe one of the finest analysis online. I think I might have first coined the "float step" about 20-25 years ago...John Evert also called it the "flow step" (at the same time). Or was it vice versa. The reason why the split step is higher at the baseline and lower at the net is 1) quickness of response, 2) distance to cover. Distance and time at the net is shorter (e.g., 2 m over 0.6 s) vs baseline (e.g., 4 m over 1.3 s). The latter requires higher speeds and acceleration (hence gravity step) but over longer distances. I prefer not to teach the "wide bounce split" since it is often a waste of energy. However, I believe there was a softball Division I team that used the concept from tennis for their infielders and found their players moved quicker (as you mentioned the stretch-shorten cycle). What is not taught is reading the ball which is often mistaught which is why people don't float step correctly (it's really the ideal split step over longer distances, or move into the gravity step...again over longer distances). I got the idea of "float step" from net play since the ideal split step should not be a stop split but a semi-cut move *typically 45-75 degrees COD) since it is not a true lateral movement unlike at the baseline. Anyhow very nicely done.
Superb footwork and drills. Split/pivot, float step, drop step - work on those guys, until they are your second nature on the baseline. Thank you, RacquetFlex. Awesome work and you can really move out there!
Thanks so very much for this video. I often get confused in split steps and end up doing no split steps at all while playing. Now I can apply this in my match. You have explained everything so clearly. Keep up the good work 👏 🙌
Yes to answer your question. Closer to the net u have to split lower and wider because your reaction time to shots needs to be quicker and a lower stance allows you to bend and get low passing shots as well as spring up to cherry pick high passing shots too. Great video love you stuff.
I don’t understand why this channel is not the best tennis channel there is! So underrated. I think you guys should redo all videos. And also I think Wilson should be your sponsor by now. Do a new marketing strategy and go for it. RUclips has changed in over 3 years. Stay positive!
My reasoning: A higher split step at the base line (rallies) allows more distance to be covered side to side, straighter legs allow for larger strides. At the net, a wider base and lower centre of gravity allows for quicker lateral reactions to volleys. Also similar wide split step applies when receiving fast serves.
Amazing video. Amazing detail and emphasis and explanation. So understandable and clear and positive. Thanks for this video. Keep up the brilliant super valuable amazing helpful positive professional friendly accurate precise technical perfect great work. Your videos are so helpful. We all infinitely and universally desire you to keep going with your videos and content and uploads and daily amazing positive reassuring helpful uploads/videos. Thanks. Thanks so much. Thank you. Thanks a lot. Thanks. Much love. So much love. Thanks so much. Thank you so much.
I think you're doing a great job, I'm the technical instructor at the Cricket Club in Toronto where Milos came from.... Just a little background. With respect to the split I think this is an area that is over looked and that you've made a video focusing on three versions of it is great. So my take is, when quick racquet work or quick movements (not for distance) are required then the split step needs to be small and quick as possible, hang time is your biggest enemy. Wide splitting at the net is important because you need to stay low to the ball with your back straight, especially first volleys. Way beyond the baseline higher spit steps are okay as it's not your reaction time that is challenged it's the distance you can achieve after the split. The way it works is the more force exertion you can apply to the ground the more height you'll get... Research NFL players jumping ability to those in the NBA surprising results... NFL player crush NBA players. Now back to the split step way behind the baseline... Directional speed is mandated so a bigger split is required to get off the mark. The World Cup was very interesting as I focused on the splitting of goalies and they truly lived and died by this or more precisely the timing and size of their split steps. If you review footage, besides positioning this is what defines goalies and how successful they are (IMHO)
I am beyond impressed and blown away by this content ! I am so proud of ALL of you. Your time, commitment, expertise and continuous education to your passion is shining through here. Your limit is beyond the sky. Continue to grow your passion and share it with others. I look forward to following you along your journey ! - Ms. V ❤️
Thank you so much for those kind words and inspiration! We will definitely continue to educate ourselves and follow our passion. This journey has just begun, and it's already so much fun.
Once you stop having fun, that is when you want to re-think your passion. This is highly unlikely though - tennis is your passion and gift. Never stop having fun with your passion.
Very good channel . Perfect intersection of technology, knowledge and mechanics. Your team will help thousands of 🎾 players play injury free for years.
Great videos! Good balance of talking vs visual instruction. You should definitely have more subscribers. You've got some of the best videos out there. Keep it up and thanks!
good video! for people with knee pain i definitely recommend the jump rope because it strengthens the calves so less of the shock is absorbed in the knee, also its good to buy tennis shoes with more cushion.(i used to have this problem when playing 6 days a week)
Thanks for this very informative video. My question is: what kind of shoes do you wear on this video. I want to buy a mid high ankle supporter shoes but I couldn't find it. Thanks for your answer.
Thanks from another tennis “addict” (only the “afflicted” will understand this), in our impossible pursuit of mastering this incredible game (best described as the late Bud Collins, as “boxing without bloodshed”) ….
I did enjoy the split step drills among many other videos that you produce... Also, can I have the name and model of the mid high white tennis shoes with the black shoe laces. I do agree with a former suggestion that you guys should absolutely have sponsors from tennis equipment sources like Wilson, Nike etc., along with retail stores like Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Express and the such.
Thanks James! We try to use the power of video to help actually demonstrate what we are saying to not be as confusing. I know first hand how helpful visual cues and stuff are because I am an extremely visual learner myself. - Dayday
at the baseline you have more time to react, so you can jump higher to generate more energy from the split step. At the net you don't have this time. So you need low height split steps (otherwise, when the ball comes at you, you might be just floating in the air not able to redirect your body)
If by "congruent" you mean "directly proportional to", then sure, makes sense. The split step can make for a faster start once you're on the ground, but while you're in the air you can do precisely nothing, so when you may have to react quickly you may want to limit your air time so you can start movement sooner, so a low bounce.
This may work for the pros, but three different split steps? I have trouble just remembering to watch the ball, let alone remembering which split step to use in a constantly changing match. For a “club” player like me this is way too complicated. Maybe I can use one of the three but that would be it.
That is a very good point. I would not advise or consider actually thinking about what types of split steps to perform while you play, as it would be very difficult and confusing to do on each shot. The purpose of this video was to analyze the different ways that more advanced players split step and move because there is more to it than just hopping before a shot. Furthermore, I am fairly confident that with adequate practice of these drills and techniques will significantly help you move better than your opponent. But I doubt that professionals are consciously thinking about what type of split step to perform when, similarly to what type of stance they hit from. These are all things that they have naturally adapted into their game (through lots of practice, if you will) to perform in the best and most comfortable way.
Just focus on jumping before your opponent hits the ball and landing right at contact or just after, depending upon what suits you. Think of it this way, by split-stepping, you're engaging your brain & your whole body which will give you "extra" time to hit the ball vs starting from a stand still. Or imagine you're a sprint runner who starts his sprint half-way in a run while your competitors are already in their stride. Who do you think will win?!
I've been skeptical of a lot of instruction concerning split steps for some time. Certainly standing flat footed reduces your ability to accelerate quickly, esp. forward and backward. The main advantage I see with any of the split step variations is simply that it gets you on the balls of your feet and this promotes faster acceleration, esp. forward (sprinters run on the balls of their feet whereas long distance runners run heel to toe). I find the claimed speed benefit of the flexed leg muscles in the split step very mixed. When you split step you are primarily activating the quads and glutes, bnefitting mostly just movement in the forward/backward dimension. I can't see much benefit for lateral movement--other than getting on the balls of your feet. Also, if you look at videos of the pros (I recently saw the video highlights of the 2011 U.S. Open finals) between Djokovic and Nadal, you will see that, besides the relatively deep split step done before the service return, most of the split stepping is just two or three little jumps from one foot to the other. There simply isn't time to do more. There is only a second or so between the opponent's ball strike until the ball is at the receiver's racquet and a lot of that brief time is spent adjusting lateral and vertical positioning. Of course, club players don't hit with as much pace but neither do they react as quickly as the pros so I don't see there being a lot of time for footwork except for that quick back-and-forth step. Incorporating that little bit of footwork gives you the most bang for the buck IMHO.
Hi George, I want to start off by saying I really appreciate your comments because you always encourage me to take my thinking and research one step further with your thoughtful discussions, and I always learn more from them. From my experience and research, I found that the split steps have multiple benefits, including: - The stretch and shortening cycle of your lower prime muscle movers i.e. quads, glutes, calves, hip adductors, etc. - Putting your body in the most optimally balanced state, which is critical when you're frequently changing directions and constantly shifting your center of gravity. On the note of the split step's advantages when moving laterally, the stance that your body is in (after an effectively timed split step) is crucial when moving in either possible direction (left or right). By using the drop step, you can accelerate your lateral step to a wide ball much more effectively with a split step. On the professional level, the rare occasions that I've found that players did not have time to do any sort of split-step at all was when they were too far out of position and had to chase the subsequent ball in full sprint. There have also been situations where the player had to improvise to stay in the point. For the most part, the split step is a regular movement pattern that is used even in the fastest paced rallies, including service and net returns, where you have mere milliseconds to react. Lastly, I believe that the variations of split steps and reaction steps are something that every player of any level should practice and incorporate. Here are some intriguing studies that further investigates the mechanics and results of the split step. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19735035 europepmc.org/abstract/MED/28210344 www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17461391.2013.785598?journalCode=tejs20
I watch a lot tennis match videos and all I can say is that the majority of the time the pros do a very minimal split step or none at all during rallies. They are constantly shifting their positions and what I see as a result is just a little back-and-forth movement to stay loose and on the tops. With just about a second for the ball to arrive from the opponent's racquet there simply isn't time to do any deep split stepping like that done during service returns. For a very typical example of what I'm talking about, watch this clip of Nadal's footwork at the 2017 U.S. Open beginning at around 0:39 (ruclips.net/video/tvKxUoUBsL0/видео.html). You'll see his constant laterally adjusting short steps followed by either a ball strike or a sprint. I see little evidence of anything more in the way of split steps. If you look at the numbers in the NIH abstract (the first link in your response to me) you'll see that just about 3/4 of a second elapses between the opponent's ball strike and the arrival of the ball. That's just not enough time to do much in the way of a split step apart from the little quick "two steps" you can see in match videos. There's just not enough time to first go up, land deeply, then push off and arrive in time to the ball.
I see what you are saying - At the highest level, where there is little time, a split step as deep as a return would actually be detrimental to one's positioning since that would take too much time to perform. However, I still think the split step remains an important part of footwork for the reasons stated above - from 0:39 in the video, Nadal is still splitting almost everytime Anderson hits the ball, landing on two feet, about two shoulder widths apart. So could we conclude that during rallies, while the split step exists at the pro level, it remains minimal in relativity to the return of serve split step?
Hi Holliser, thanks for the grammatical correction. We try to avoid a lot of useless jargon to confuse players. However, the motions I described in the video are there to serve a specific purpose. Based on my experience, I have found it invaluable not just to understand or conceptualize the motion, but to get insights into how or why it works. This is most likely because it increases your proprioception, or body awareness, when you understand which muscles should be focused on activating. We will make sure to appropriately use and simply explain more anatomical/biomechanical terminologies in the future.
![How To Split Step [6 keys to points to help you react faster]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jEMdv4Bsjf0/mqdefault.jpg)
You deserve 10 million subscribers. Your research, technical understanding of the fundamentals, and instructions are world class. Thank you. It would be great if you make a video solely focusing on the return of serve. I'd love to hear your insights.
This and your spin step video is easily the clearest footwork explanation I have ever seen. The video editing is incredibly helpful in helping us understand important parts of the body to focus on.
Keep up the good work, you’ve earned yourself a subscriber!
RacquetFlex you are the BEST. I have been watching various videos for the past 60 days. Guys you have me pumped. It's May, 2020 & in Nashville, Tennessee the courts are on Virus shut-down. I am a 73 yr old, overweight, 3.5 player. I am coming back from a battle with diabetes As a former recreational player I will start my come back journey as the Virus shut-down passes & the parks tennis courts open.. Your have the BEST Split Step Video on the net. I hope RacquetFlex is still in business. I want to be one of your oldest CONVERTS......JL Kent, the Big Easy
Thank you for your support, J L Kent! Your story and dedication is very inspirational and I'm honored to be able to help.
this channel is going to blow up, great instructions and graphics!!!
Thanks a lot SkyreeXScalabar!
Simply the BEST FOOTWORK analysis I've seen EVER!!! MANY THANKS!!! 👍 👏 😊 very Nadalish
Well done! And honestly, maybe one of the finest analysis online. I think I might have first coined the "float step" about 20-25 years ago...John Evert also called it the "flow step" (at the same time). Or was it vice versa. The reason why the split step is higher at the baseline and lower at the net is 1) quickness of response, 2) distance to cover. Distance and time at the net is shorter (e.g., 2 m over 0.6 s) vs baseline (e.g., 4 m over 1.3 s). The latter requires higher speeds and acceleration (hence gravity step) but over longer distances. I prefer not to teach the "wide bounce split" since it is often a waste of energy. However, I believe there was a softball Division I team that used the concept from tennis for their infielders and found their players moved quicker (as you mentioned the stretch-shorten cycle). What is not taught is reading the ball which is often mistaught which is why people don't float step correctly (it's really the ideal split step over longer distances, or move into the gravity step...again over longer distances). I got the idea of "float step" from net play since the ideal split step should not be a stop split but a semi-cut move *typically 45-75 degrees COD) since it is not a true lateral movement unlike at the baseline. Anyhow very nicely done.
Superb footwork and drills. Split/pivot, float step, drop step - work on those guys, until they are your second nature on the baseline. Thank you, RacquetFlex. Awesome work and you can really move out there!
Glad you enjoyed the video Jack! Thanks as always.
Thanks so very much for this video. I often get confused in split steps and end up doing no split steps at all while playing. Now I can apply this in my match. You have explained everything so clearly. Keep up the good work 👏 🙌
Yes to answer your question. Closer to the net u have to split lower and wider because your reaction time to shots needs to be quicker and a lower stance allows you to bend and get low passing shots as well as spring up to cherry pick high passing shots too. Great video love you stuff.
I don’t understand why this channel is not the best tennis channel there is! So underrated. I think you guys should redo all videos. And also I think Wilson should be your sponsor by now. Do a new marketing strategy and go for it. RUclips has changed in over 3 years. Stay positive!
Best tennis instructionals on RUclips. Thank you!
My reasoning: A higher split step at the base line (rallies) allows more distance to be covered side to side, straighter legs allow for larger strides. At the net, a wider base and lower centre of gravity allows for quicker lateral reactions to volleys. Also similar wide split step applies when receiving fast serves.
Amazing video. Amazing detail and emphasis and explanation. So understandable and clear and positive. Thanks for this video. Keep up the brilliant super valuable amazing helpful positive professional friendly accurate precise technical perfect great work. Your videos are so helpful. We all infinitely and universally desire you to keep going with your videos and content and uploads and daily amazing positive reassuring helpful uploads/videos. Thanks. Thanks so much. Thank you. Thanks a lot. Thanks. Much love. So much love. Thanks so much. Thank you so much.
I think you're doing a great job, I'm the technical instructor at the Cricket Club in Toronto where Milos came from.... Just a little background.
With respect to the split I think this is an area that is over looked and that you've made a video focusing on three versions of it is great. So my take is, when quick racquet work or quick movements (not for distance) are required then the split step needs to be small and quick as possible, hang time is your biggest enemy. Wide splitting at the net is important because you need to stay low to the ball with your back straight, especially first volleys. Way beyond the baseline higher spit steps are okay as it's not your reaction time that is challenged it's the distance you can achieve after the split. The way it works is the more force exertion you can apply to the ground the more height you'll get... Research NFL players jumping ability to those in the NBA surprising results... NFL player crush NBA players. Now back to the split step way behind the baseline... Directional speed is mandated so a bigger split is required to get off the mark. The World Cup was very interesting as I focused on the splitting of goalies and they truly lived and died by this or more precisely the timing and size of their split steps. If you review footage, besides positioning this is what defines goalies and how successful they are (IMHO)
Hi Attila,
We appreciate your input on the topic. I do agree that the split is an underrated part of player development.
I am beyond impressed and blown away by this content ! I am so proud of ALL of you. Your time, commitment, expertise and continuous education to your passion is shining through here. Your limit is beyond the sky. Continue to grow your passion and share it with others. I look forward to following you along your journey ! - Ms. V ❤️
Thank you so much for those kind words and inspiration! We will definitely continue to educate ourselves and follow our passion. This journey has just begun, and it's already so much fun.
Once you stop having fun, that is when you want to re-think your passion. This is highly unlikely though - tennis is your passion and gift. Never stop having fun with your passion.
First time I see on RUclips some professional instructions on the footwork , crucial now days in tennis , great content in this channel
Very good channel . Perfect intersection of technology, knowledge and mechanics. Your team will help thousands of 🎾 players play injury free for years.
Wow! Just saw your video. Was amazing and made so much sense. Cant wait to try it on the court. Hope you guys make many more of these!!
Great videos! Good balance of talking vs visual instruction. You should definitely have more subscribers. You've got some of the best videos out there. Keep it up and thanks!
my #1 channel for tennis training awesome work guys
Thanks Leo!
Men you guys are legit!! The real deal, the best I have seen, this no joke.
good video! for people with knee pain i definitely recommend the jump rope because it strengthens the calves so less of the shock is absorbed in the knee, also its good to buy tennis shoes with more cushion.(i used to have this problem when playing 6 days a week)
Wow, you pack so much great info into such a short time!!! These drills alone would probably improve most players by a level!
Thanks, Lance.
Please do let us know how it goes!
You have phenomenal footwork! Thanks for the video!
Thanks for this very informative video. My question is: what kind of shoes do you wear on this video. I want to buy a mid high ankle supporter shoes but I couldn't find it. Thanks for your answer.
Thanks from another tennis “addict” (only the “afflicted” will understand this), in our impossible pursuit of mastering this incredible game (best described as the late Bud Collins, as “boxing without bloodshed”) ….
Amazing video. How come I get to it this late!! Very clear explained and impressive graphics and editing. Thank you for your hard work. New subs
Son realmente muy buenos, muchachos. Muy buen trabajo. You are really very good, boys. Very good work.
I did enjoy the split step drills among many other videos that you produce... Also, can I have the name and model of the mid high white tennis shoes with the black shoe laces. I do agree with a former suggestion that you guys should absolutely have sponsors from tennis equipment sources like Wilson, Nike etc., along with retail stores like Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Express and the such.
Super! Thank you guys for your work. Please, keep going! :)
Thanks sldima!
great explanations and visuals. Love the aesthetic attention to your videos also.
Thanks James! We try to use the power of video to help actually demonstrate what we are saying to not be as confusing. I know first hand how helpful visual cues and stuff are because I am an extremely visual learner myself. - Dayday
Great video. Thanks. I'm going now to the court to practise.
Electrifying steps.
at the baseline you have more time to react, so you can jump higher to generate more energy from the split step. At the net you don't have this time. So you need low height split steps (otherwise, when the ball comes at you, you might be just floating in the air not able to redirect your body)
Great video once again. I would love to see some strategy lessons from you. Thanks for the RF training link
Well done. Good coverage
Great channel RacquetFlex! I'd like to know your regime for diet & exercise! You guys look extremely fit!!
We are very flattered, haha. Thanks for the compliments! If you would like, we could make a video series about our diet/exercise fitness regime.
Just watching you makes me move faster!
Haha :)
If by "congruent" you mean "directly proportional to", then sure, makes sense.
The split step can make for a faster start once you're on the ground, but while you're in the air you can do precisely nothing, so when you may have to react quickly you may want to limit your air time so you can start movement sooner, so a low bounce.
Great information. Alot to digest here.
Your videos are so awesome and accurate! can you pleasee do a video on the thwo handed backhand next, thannk youu :)
Absolutely Rithvik :)
That's quality stuff both the content and the graphics. May I know where u from?
Thanks for the compliments, Albert. We are based in Southern California.
Do u use both feet to split step or use one foot to split step ?
My god! Beautiful trainig 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks a lot Phelipe!
Great detailed video!
I am very interested in the anatomical content, works for me!
Great video thanks!
Hello sir. Your all videos osm. Plz tell me sir. Best Forhand and backhand grip ask me
Great vid!
Awesome thanks a lot 👍
Could you please write down all explains you talked .
Can you show more of your muscles please?
Very good explanation
But I can't understand half the video
Because I speak Arabic
Is it possible to do a translation for me Arabic
excellent video
This may work for the pros, but three different split steps? I have trouble just remembering to watch the ball, let alone remembering which split step to use in a constantly changing match. For a “club” player like me this is way too complicated. Maybe I can use one of the three but that would be it.
That is a very good point. I would not advise or consider actually thinking about what types of split steps to perform while you play, as it would be very difficult and confusing to do on each shot. The purpose of this video was to analyze the different ways that more advanced players split step and move because there is more to it than just hopping before a shot.
Furthermore, I am fairly confident that with adequate practice of these drills and techniques will significantly help you move better than your opponent. But I doubt that professionals are consciously thinking about what type of split step to perform when, similarly to what type of stance they hit from. These are all things that they have naturally adapted into their game (through lots of practice, if you will) to perform in the best and most comfortable way.
Just focus on jumping before your opponent hits the ball and landing right at contact or just after, depending upon what suits you. Think of it this way, by split-stepping, you're engaging your brain & your whole body which will give you "extra" time to hit the ball vs starting from a stand still. Or imagine you're a sprint runner who starts his sprint half-way in a run while your competitors are already in their stride. Who do you think will win?!
The best 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I've been skeptical of a lot of instruction concerning split steps for some time. Certainly standing flat footed reduces your ability to accelerate quickly, esp. forward and backward. The main advantage I see with any of the split step variations is simply that it gets you on the balls of your feet and this promotes faster acceleration, esp. forward (sprinters run on the balls of their feet whereas long distance runners run heel to toe).
I find the claimed speed benefit of the flexed leg muscles in the split step very mixed. When you split step you are primarily activating the quads and glutes, bnefitting mostly just movement in the forward/backward dimension. I can't see much benefit for lateral movement--other than getting on the balls of your feet.
Also, if you look at videos of the pros (I recently saw the video highlights of the 2011 U.S. Open finals) between Djokovic and Nadal, you will see that, besides the relatively deep split step done before the service return, most of the split stepping is just two or three little jumps from one foot to the other. There simply isn't time to do more. There is only a second or so between the opponent's ball strike until the ball is at the receiver's racquet and a lot of that brief time is spent adjusting lateral and vertical positioning.
Of course, club players don't hit with as much pace but neither do they react as quickly as the pros so I don't see there being a lot of time for footwork except for that quick back-and-forth step. Incorporating that little bit of footwork gives you the most bang for the buck IMHO.
Hi George,
I want to start off by saying I really appreciate your comments because you always encourage me to take my thinking and research one step further with your thoughtful discussions, and I always learn more from them.
From my experience and research, I found that the split steps have multiple benefits, including:
- The stretch and shortening cycle of your lower prime muscle movers i.e. quads, glutes, calves, hip adductors, etc.
- Putting your body in the most optimally balanced state, which is critical when you're frequently changing directions and constantly shifting your center of gravity.
On the note of the split step's advantages when moving laterally, the stance that your body is in (after an effectively timed split step) is crucial when moving in either possible direction (left or right). By using the drop step, you can accelerate your lateral step to a wide ball much more effectively with a split step.
On the professional level, the rare occasions that I've found that players did not have time to do any sort of split-step at all was when they were too far out of position and had to chase the subsequent ball in full sprint. There have also been situations where the player had to improvise to stay in the point. For the most part, the split step is a regular movement pattern that is used even in the fastest paced rallies, including service and net returns, where you have mere milliseconds to react.
Lastly, I believe that the variations of split steps and reaction steps are something that every player of any level should practice and incorporate.
Here are some intriguing studies that further investigates the mechanics and results of the split step.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19735035
europepmc.org/abstract/MED/28210344
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17461391.2013.785598?journalCode=tejs20
I watch a lot tennis match videos and all I can say is that the majority of the time the pros do a very minimal split step or none at all during rallies. They are constantly shifting their positions and what I see as a result is just a little back-and-forth movement to stay loose and on the tops. With just about a second for the ball to arrive from the opponent's racquet there simply isn't time to do any deep split stepping like that done during service returns.
For a very typical example of what I'm talking about, watch this clip of Nadal's footwork at the 2017 U.S. Open beginning at around 0:39 (ruclips.net/video/tvKxUoUBsL0/видео.html). You'll see his constant laterally adjusting short steps followed by either a ball strike or a sprint. I see little evidence of anything more in the way of split steps.
If you look at the numbers in the NIH abstract (the first link in your response to me) you'll see that just about 3/4 of a second elapses between the opponent's ball strike and the arrival of the ball. That's just not enough time to do much in the way of a split step apart from the little quick "two steps" you can see in match videos. There's just not enough time to first go up, land deeply, then push off and arrive in time to the ball.
I see what you are saying - At the highest level, where there is little time, a split step as deep as a return would actually be detrimental to one's positioning since that would take too much time to perform.
However, I still think the split step remains an important part of footwork for the reasons stated above - from 0:39 in the video, Nadal is still splitting almost everytime Anderson hits the ball, landing on two feet, about two shoulder widths apart.
So could we conclude that during rallies, while the split step exists at the pro level, it remains minimal in relativity to the return of serve split step?
Yes, even with so little time their feet are always moving and they're never standing flat footed. It's almost like they're dancing on hot coals!
I'll use this for volleyball
Good job good vídeo
Way too professional for most rec players. But definitely worth watching..!!
Ur ripped dude!
Thanks!
The closer you come to the net the faster you have to be as there is less time. Thats why the split step lower
I'm tired already. :-(
Good video instructions but put me off to finish it…😡
I cant be the only one who came from haikyuu , right? ..... right???
Try and not get too anatomical with your videos. Your instructing Tennis players not medical students! Lastly “splitted” isn’t a word !
Hi Holliser, thanks for the grammatical correction.
We try to avoid a lot of useless jargon to confuse players. However, the motions I described in the video are there to serve a specific purpose. Based on my experience, I have found it invaluable not just to understand or conceptualize the motion, but to get insights into how or why it works. This is most likely because it increases your proprioception, or body awareness, when you understand which muscles should be focused on activating.
We will make sure to appropriately use and simply explain more anatomical/biomechanical terminologies in the future.
Maybe make a shorter version like short to tbe point clips to co
Compliment the longer one