3 Simple Techniques to Improve Your Movement And Balance

To play tennis well it is essential to move quickly and efficiently. Tennis is primarily a leg game; hitting the ball is relatively easy when you are properly set up. The underlying key to success in both singles and doubles is to be in better balance than your opponent. In fact a player with lesser racket skills but excellent footwork can often beat a better player who has only average footwork.

You can easily improve your movement and the level of your game by following three simple techniques:

Play Low

By playing in a slightly crouched position, you will lower your center of gravity. This will immediately improve your reactions, balance and racket control. You will be able to take more small adjusting steps that will allow you to line the ball up better. You will also see the ball better and contact it more solidly since you will not be jumping up while you are swinging. Eliminating unforced errors is crucial to winning matches and playing low will really help your ball control.

Split Step

A split step is simply when you bounce into the ready position just before your opponent hits the ball. You should be slightly forward on the balls of your feet and your feet should be under your shoulders. This automatically balances you and allows for a fast start in any direction. Even if you are not yet in the best court position you must split step before your opponent hits the ball and you must keep split stepping as long as the ball is in play.

Shoulder Turn

One of the first things your pro ever told you was to prepare for a shot by turning your shoulders. Whether it is for a groundstroke, volley, or overhead, first you turn your shoulders then you move your feet. If you move your feet first you may stumble and lose your balance. You will also not be able to swing properly because it is shoulder rotation that creates a smooth stroke. A quick shoulder turn in the direction of the oncoming ball will allow for a strong first step and give you confidence in your ability to chase down anything.

Try to incorporate these simple techniques into your game the next time you play. They are easy to do and they will make the court seem much smaller. Remember that when you line the ball up well it is much easier to control and you will be able to eliminate many of those costly unforced errors.