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Principles of Fast Feet
Wear appropriate shoes:
Ensure proper size, adequate toe box room and the correct shoe for your foot (supinator
or pronator). Shoes with the wrong tread pattern or shoes designed for another sport will
not allow you to move well. At worst, your shoes could be dangerous. Get professional
advice to be sure.
Widen your stance, stay on the balls of your feet and keep
moving:
This way you are always ready to move quickly to all directions and your body will stay
in balance.
Split Step when your opponent hits:
Wherever you are on the court, either back at the baseline or up at the net, always split
step just before your opponent hits the ball. This position will help you move quickly in
any direction.
Move faster than the ball and take smaller steps closer to the
ball:
Move faster than the oncoming ball so you have a little extra time to prepare for the
shot and adjust for the bounce. Take smaller steps as you get closer to the ball. The
stutter-step helps you get into the right position to shift your weight into the ball as
you hit.
Hit and move:
Avoid watching the result of your shot before you move. The best players hit, move or
recover, then watch to see what happens. That way, they are more likely to be in position
for the next shot.
Hit with more spin or slice your backhand when you need more
time:
It is a false belief of inexperienced players that the faster you hit the ball, the less
time your opponent will have to react. Unless it is a winner or a forcing shot, your
opponent is able to return the ball sooner, giving you less time.
Run down every ball in practice:
Not only is it great practice for running but running down everything, even if it is
wide, will make it feel that much easier when you play.
You have more time than you think:
There is much more time than you think between the first and second bounce. Never give up
on a shot unless you don't have the necessary space.
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