As a professional coach I truly appreciated this video and teaching. It is in my opinion one of the most neglected and correctly understood part of tennis training!
This is a great lesson. Your self analysis of your ideas through clear description of what the key elements are is the right way to do it. The special focus on when to do it in relation to knowing where the ball is going is very key- because that is what players want to know. Truly helpful.
When I was watching this, i realized half way through that my boxing years were split step in training!! sure enough, your first drill was jumping rope so obviously you realize the connection between a boxer who can move and playing tennis!! Very helpful and certainly familiar to me! thanks so much once again
If I understand the "orthodox" theory of the split step, it is necessary to rise slightly off the ground in order to "load" the legs and provide greater ("explosive") lateral acceleration from the standing position. Being an older player I find that continual split stepping in this fashion both hard on the back and somewhat of an energy drain in a long match. This got me thinking about the necessity for taking a small upward jump rather than simply dropping quickly into a short crouch. If dropping without first jumping is done with the feet fairly wide apart there is plenty of support for an explosive lateral movement. Trying both methods of split stepping, I find that the "drop without initial jump" at least 90% as effective in loading the legs. I also started to question this orthodoxy of "loading the legs" for explosive lateral acceleration. I think it is quite obvious when you observe the functioning of your legs that the loading of the legs, which involves the firing of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles is most advantageous in vertical (forward/backward) motion and only marginally important in lateral motion, the latter involving other "core" muscles. I suspect that the real benefit of "loading" for lateral acceleration is the semi-crouch position which lowers the center of gravity and gives more stability for explosive movements both laterally and vertically. Also, what seems to receive less attention is that either method of split stepping causes one to shift the balance more forward (toward the toes), reducing the flat footed posture we have when just standing. Trying to move explosively from a flat footed posture seems more difficult that doing so from a more forward posture. From the standpoint of getting more on the toes, either method of split stepping seems as good as the other. Finally, if we can dispense with the initial jump, it is easier to time the split step and to execute it much more quickly. So, if I am correct, shouldn't we execute the split step by dropping quickly rather than jumping and dropping?
I still have this question unanswered yet for me as a squash player...I have another issue that the hop prepares my body for lateral movement so if the opponent places a last second drop I will stumble and can no way get it while landing on both feet..
Many thanks for all the great videos, Tomaz! A question for you: what should one's eyes be focusing on in order to time the split correctly? The ball, the opponent's racket or the opponent's body movements (which may betray their intentions for the following shot)?
+Ethan E .Matthes I don't use any cues to determine where to push off - I push off in the direction of the ball which I recognize while I am in the air. But I can ANTICIPATE the most likely response and mentally prepare to go in that direction. The cues I use is my opponent's position: is he balanced or not? Leaning backwards or leaning forwards? Does he have time to set up or is he in time pressure? All this right now is conscious thinking but in a match it's unconscious. I am looking at him and trying to figure out what he'll do, that's all. After years of doing that you pick up certain cues. The key is to look at him and not at your ball. ;)
Great video! What are you using as your cue to split step? Are you focusing on the opponent's body, their racket or the ball when timing the jump/landing?
These lessons and drills are amazing! Holy shit, if only my highschool tennis coach knew this. I would've grew as a player a lot faster. The idiot wanted us freshman to use a continental forehand wtf??? I understand eastern, but continental???
Great tips! I am a soccer goalkeeper, and that helps us, too! Just the child with the valgus knees is a little bit disturbing. Sb please tell him how to stabilize his knees!
but the height of the split step can vary according to the situation on the point. For eg high when u are defending (have seen Murray do it quite often), low when have no time (running from one corner to another without having much time ) and normal ?
Can someone explain to me why split stepping is helpful? Like, I accept empirically that it is, there's no way every professional player does it unless there is a clear benefit, but I don't really understand. I don't feel faster in my reaction split stepping vs just standing there with knees bent. I feel like if my feet are touching the ground, the instant I decide which direction to push off I am already pushing. But if I'm split stepping there is at least a slight delay between deciding to go in a direction and actually beginning the process of going that direction. I'm not sure where you actually save time or react quicker.
@@yuetchuen hmmmm, I'm not sure if your knowledge of conventional physics is incomplete, or if maybe you just struggle to use to terms correctly in english. I don't mean any offense, but I am just a little confused as to what ideas you intended to communicate. - Force cannot be compared to mass, but perhaps you meant "weight", and yes, in order to accelerate upwards the force exerted by the ground on you, which is a reaction to the force your legs exerted on the ground, must be greater than your weight, which is the force that Earth exerts on you due to gravitational attraction. - None of this "adds to momentum". The upwards force, applied over time, results in an upwards impulse which is against the direction of momentum. So actually, this does not result in more momentum, it literally results in an initial momentum in the opposite direction to what is intended, and will result in MORE TIME to reach maximum velocity. The issue must lie in our analysis being focused on one dimensional analysis. i suspect a circular motion analysis must be invoked to salvage any forces based analysis of the situation.
@@bonzwah1 When you split step, you see the ball in the air, and you immediately orient your body towards where you want to go. If you are standing with bent legs, you are primed to move quickly in one direction, but a split step makes it possible for you to move in any direction.
This split step is the only correct instruction compared to other teaching to observe the opponent's racquet touching the ball as the point to jump. It is just impossible to execute.
I think these calculations are not a good way to teach split step. Your last drills were quite helpful though and kinda made up the baffling calculations in the first place. I assume you need to use the player's own ability and recognition to calculate and find the right timing for him/herself. However, you've got to remind them from time to time to execute their split step on every shot and preparation and not to stay there like a solid stick! By the way the environment of the court is quite haunting and picturesque. Which country it is?
We do not teach split step with calculations, there are just here for people to understand that you cannot consciously time the split step correctly because our conscious mind cannot track hundredths of a second. We teach split step through drills and then feeling when it was executed at the right moment.
![How To Split Step [6 keys to points to help you react faster]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jEMdv4Bsjf0/mqdefault.jpg)
![How To Split Step [6 keys to points to help you react faster]](/img/tr.png)
As a professional coach I truly appreciated this video and teaching. It is in my opinion one of the most neglected and correctly understood part of tennis training!
I'll be using this for volleyball~
Lmao I came here from the new episode
Manga reader
Lol coach Tomaz was a former volleyball player! Amazing!
xDD x2
Haikyuu be like
love how you focus on intuition and feeling and not overwhelming us with the technicalities
8 minutes that will benefit my entire life during tennis session. Thanks!
Always the best lesson of all channels on you tube
Possibly the best split step video on YT
This is a great lesson. Your self analysis of your ideas through clear description of what the key elements are is the right way to do it. The special focus on when to do it in relation to knowing where the ball is going is very key- because that is what players want to know. Truly helpful.
When I was watching this, i realized half way through that my boxing years were split step in training!! sure enough, your first drill was jumping rope so obviously you realize the connection between a boxer who can move and playing tennis!! Very helpful and certainly familiar to me! thanks so much once again
Great lesson Tomas! You are the best.
This was easy to follow and something I'll take to my next practice session. Thank you.
Thank you! I always had trouble figuring out what a split step was and how to do it! Can't wait to practice this!
AztecsPasture a
Split stepping .... so, so important yet so easy to overlook! Good job Tomaz!
They say it all. Outstanding Thomas. Simply the best lessons.
Outstanding practical advice and demonstration.Quality instruction.
I am simply in love with this channel :-) Thank you!
If I understand the "orthodox" theory of the split step, it is necessary to rise slightly off the ground in order to "load" the legs and provide greater ("explosive") lateral acceleration from the standing position. Being an older player I find that continual split stepping in this fashion both hard on the back and somewhat of an energy drain in a long match. This got me thinking about the necessity for taking a small upward jump rather than simply dropping quickly into a short crouch.
If dropping without first jumping is done with the feet fairly wide apart there is plenty of support for an explosive lateral movement. Trying both methods of split stepping, I find that the "drop without initial jump" at least 90% as effective in loading the legs.
I also started to question this orthodoxy of "loading the legs" for explosive lateral acceleration. I think it is quite obvious when you observe the functioning of your legs that the loading of the legs, which involves the firing of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles is most advantageous in vertical (forward/backward) motion and only marginally important in lateral motion, the latter involving other "core" muscles. I suspect that the real benefit of "loading" for lateral acceleration is the semi-crouch position which lowers the center of gravity and gives more stability for explosive movements both laterally and vertically.
Also, what seems to receive less attention is that either method of split stepping causes one to shift the balance more forward (toward the toes), reducing the flat footed posture we have when just standing. Trying to move explosively from a flat footed posture seems more difficult that doing so from a more forward posture. From the standpoint of getting more on the toes, either method of split stepping seems as good as the other.
Finally, if we can dispense with the initial jump, it is easier to time the split step and to execute it much more quickly.
So, if I am correct, shouldn't we execute the split step by dropping quickly rather than jumping and dropping?
George Oberlander
I think you have been right man
I still have this question unanswered yet for me as a squash player...I have another issue that the hop prepares my body for lateral movement so if the opponent places a last second drop I will stumble and can no way get it while landing on both feet..
I really love your videos Tomas. They are very usuable and realistic for an amateur player
Very helpful video,Precise informations are always most reassuring.Thanks.
you are a true professional. thanks for the immaculate instruction.
Excellent video! So comprehensive!
so basic, and so well done; thanks!
Wow, fabulous video. Nicely done!
Another excellent video, thank you.
You are the best. Keep working with tis videos. Helps a lot!!!!!
thank you sir, really needed that
thanks a lot
A very effective way to improve your tennis from the fundamental i.e. preparation, thank you.
This is really a great lesson. I loved it thakyou very much.
So happy to have this video can't wait to practice awesome thank you😘
Great video
I’m here because of haikyuu 😅😅😅
mylittle Mexican friend samee
Bruh same lol
So am I but I also play tennis and didnt know what a split step was
Ore mo (me too)
Same
Many thanks for all the great videos, Tomaz! A question for you: what should one's eyes be focusing on in order to time the split correctly? The ball, the opponent's racket or the opponent's body movements (which may betray their intentions for the following shot)?
Many thanks! A great video about split step!
I think this may prove very useful to me thanks dude 👍 😊
Great stuff my friend
this IS gold! Thank you man
Really, really good video. We use this exact technique for Soccer Goalkeepers too. Thank you.
your lessons are great!
You are a great coach!
Thank You .
Excellent!! I don't think I've seen a more comprehensive video on the split step.
Thanks for the helpful video. Question : What cues from your opponent do you use to determine which direction to push off towards?
+Ethan E .Matthes I don't use any cues to determine where to push off - I push off in the direction of the ball which I recognize while I am in the air. But I can ANTICIPATE the most likely response and mentally prepare to go in that direction. The cues I use is my opponent's position: is he balanced or not? Leaning backwards or leaning forwards? Does he have time to set up or is he in time pressure? All this right now is conscious thinking but in a match it's unconscious. I am looking at him and trying to figure out what he'll do, that's all. After years of doing that you pick up certain cues. The key is to look at him and not at your ball. ;)
+Feel Tennis Instruction Appreciate the quick reply and excellent content. Thanks again for the video and the service you provide on RUclips!
Best coach of tennis
great content as always
Great as usual.
Great video! What are you using as your cue to split step? Are you focusing on the opponent's body, their racket or the ball when timing the jump/landing?
This split step is helping me in basketball
excellent tips
These lessons and drills are amazing! Holy shit, if only my highschool tennis coach knew this. I would've grew as a player a lot faster. The idiot wanted us freshman to use a continental forehand wtf??? I understand eastern, but continental???
Which highschool is it so I can avoid it
Good trick, will try.
u back in singapore anytime soon? would like to book some lessons
+TIM S Probably around New Year. Subscribe to my newsletter on my website and you'll know of my whereabouts.
we love you Tomas best for the split step
Great tips! I am a soccer goalkeeper, and that helps us, too! Just the child with the valgus knees is a little bit disturbing. Sb please tell him how to stabilize his knees!
Very useful! Thanks a lot
" Don't be an observer. Be a PLAYER"
-Tomaz
Thank you ...for video and last instruction
Where are you located, Tomas? I need to send my son to you. Thanks again for another great lesson.
but the height of the split step can vary according to the situation on the point. For eg high when u are defending (have seen Murray do it quite often), low when have no time (running from one corner to another without having much time ) and normal ?
Rocked it yet again
Can someone explain to me why split stepping is helpful? Like, I accept empirically that it is, there's no way every professional player does it unless there is a clear benefit, but I don't really understand. I don't feel faster in my reaction split stepping vs just standing there with knees bent. I feel like if my feet are touching the ground, the instant I decide which direction to push off I am already pushing. But if I'm split stepping there is at least a slight delay between deciding to go in a direction and actually beginning the process of going that direction. I'm not sure where you actually save time or react quicker.
@@yuetchuen as I already said. The conclusion is very clear. I don't want you to PROVE split stepping is good. I want someone to EXPLAIN it.
@@yuetchuen again, that's a statement, not an explanation. Please propose a MECHANISM for the result.
@@yuetchuen hmmmm, I'm not sure if your knowledge of conventional physics is incomplete, or if maybe you just struggle to use to terms correctly in english. I don't mean any offense, but I am just a little confused as to what ideas you intended to communicate.
-
Force cannot be compared to mass, but perhaps you meant "weight", and yes, in order to accelerate upwards the force exerted by the ground on you, which is a reaction to the force your legs exerted on the ground, must be greater than your weight, which is the force that Earth exerts on you due to gravitational attraction.
-
None of this "adds to momentum". The upwards force, applied over time, results in an upwards impulse which is against the direction of momentum. So actually, this does not result in more momentum, it literally results in an initial momentum in the opposite direction to what is intended, and will result in MORE TIME to reach maximum velocity. The issue must lie in our analysis being focused on one dimensional analysis. i suspect a circular motion analysis must be invoked to salvage any forces based analysis of the situation.
@@bonzwah1 When you split step, you see the ball in the air, and you immediately orient your body towards where you want to go. If you are standing with bent legs, you are primed to move quickly in one direction, but a split step makes it possible for you to move in any direction.
I’m looking at this cause prince of tennis and haikyuu but could you use this for boxing like to avoid punches instead of going towards them
Teaching Soooooo Good! Thanks A lot
Thank you, this is what I'm looking for since a moment :-)
Jump rope and jogging my favorite cardio after tennis of course
And the splits step is the most important things for your coming into the service line to fall light
Thank you so much!!!
Fantastic video. After 30 years of tennis my split step was only made by me when my opponent serve
Does the split step become like muscle memory or are you just like always conscious doing it? Anyone know?
Yes, it becomes a completely subconscious action.
as always u are the best
Thanks
I just get frozen watching the opponent play. No matter what I cant remember to split step. Any tips?
This split step is the only correct instruction compared to other teaching to observe the opponent's racquet touching the ball as the point to jump. It is just impossible to execute.
Phenomenal
me too i do for volleyball
I came here cuz Haikyuu
6:10
Football goalkeepers do the same thing aren't they? Even in handball I think.
I think these calculations are not a good way to teach split step. Your last drills were quite helpful though and kinda made up the baffling calculations in the first place. I assume you need to use the player's own ability and recognition to calculate and find the right timing for him/herself. However, you've got to remind them from time to time to execute their split step on every shot and preparation and not to stay there like a solid stick! By the way the environment of the court is quite haunting and picturesque. Which country it is?
We do not teach split step with calculations, there are just here for people to understand that you cannot consciously time the split step correctly because our conscious mind cannot track hundredths of a second. We teach split step through drills and then feeling when it was executed at the right moment.
Thanks for the clarification. But I was eager to know the court site and the country you filmed.
Singapore
Feel Tennis Instruction Thanks a lot! :)
I meant to say incorrectly , oops.
All I have to say is.... HIAKYUU TO THE TOP!!
Anyone here from price of tennis?
Kinda, sorta, no cigar.
Very useful! Thanks a lot!