Each stroke you hit on a tennis court (other than the serve) requires you to get to the right position, on time and on balance, and then to execute the stroke. Exceptional shotmaking is important, but the ability to move well and get to the ball is essential to tennis success. Keep in mind that while footwork and movement are integrally connected, they are different.
Footwork is a discipline that involves learning the proper sequence and timing of steps given the type of ball you are receiving, your position in the court, and your intent for the shot you will be hitting. Movement is all about getting to the ball as efficiently as possible.
Ideally you will develop footwork and movement together. We have all observed someone playing and had the reaction, “Wow, that person really moves well!” Let’s consider the elements of movement:
Attitude
Movement starts with conviction and intent. Each time you walk on the court, you recognize and commit to the idea that every ball involves effort and focus and whether you are in practice or a match, you are going to be ready to go for everything, without hesitation. The desire to get to every ball will set the context for the physical effort that is required.
Anticipation
Is it possible to know where your opponent will hit the ball before they actually make contact? Usually not. However, anticipation is the confluence of closely observing your opponent and their behavior over time, having a keen understanding of the game of tennis and probabilities, and the ability to be immersed in the moment of contact and the milliseconds leading up to it.
Acceleration
This is where the physicality of tennis kicks in. Tennis requires strength, balance, quickness, mobility, and flexibility. To move well requires putting in the physical work so you can move explosively to each ball. There is also an element of efficiency and timing. Learning to time your split-step before each shot is critical to pushing off toward the ball. Some people are in excellent shape and can last a long time on the court, but have limited acceleration. The first explosive step is the key and acquiring the ability to move explosively can take some work.
Angularity
The battle on a tennis court is one of controlling time and space better than your opponent. You can win this battle by your shotmaking: hitting the ball so hard and deep that your opponent is simply unable to get set up for their shots. You can also win this battle by your court position. While there are many facets of court positioning to understand, the key one related to movement is gaining an awareness and efficiency of the direction you move to hit a ball to your right or left. The three fundamental choices you have are moving forward, backward, or laterally. Seizing the moments when you can move diagonally into the court and cut off your opponent’s shot will help you win the battle of time and space. Learning to move laterally, rather than retreating, will keep your opponent from controlling the court.