What about footwork?

This brings us to the very interesting and controversial topic in today’s game. Footwork is one of the most thought concepts in today tennis teachings. From hitting open stance, semi open stance, closed stance to recovering after hitting shots, moving to the short balls, footwork on the return the list goes on and on. How many times have you heard from coaches:’ we need to work on your footwork or your opponents footwork is better that’s why he beat you ”. Recently I went to the USTA player development conference and they emphasized about how early development of specific movement to the ball is essential in becoming a successful tennis player. If footwork is so important why doesn’t USTA hire bunch of track coaches to train their players. Over the years I have come to understand that players with best footwork have great work ethic, have personal drive and commitment to run down every ball on the court. This brings us to the second part of the equation in becoming a successful tennis player. Great attitude and willingness to chase every ball down without hesitation is footwork. Understanding and putting this kind of effort while playing will make players automatically faster on the court. I usually tell my players “if you want to be faster you just have to try harder”. Thinking about specific movement to the ball will only make players slower, because their reaction to the incoming ball will be delayed. Tennis is a hand eye sport; we do not hit the ball with our feet. Telling a good athlete how to move to the ball will only inhibit his athletic ability. We have to let our natural athleticism take over when running to the ball. Running is putting one foot in front of the other as fast as you can. Anyone who plays tennis has the ability to do that. Some people do it slower that the other, nobody needs to be thought how to run again. Footwork is not a skill that can be thought like correct looking technique, footwork is commitment, dedication, discipline, intensity, enthusiasm personal challenge to run down every ball. It is not surprising that players hit more open stance in today’s game. The reaction between shot is a lot smaller than it was 40 years ago. Equipment has a lot to do with how hard the players hit the ball. Player’s athletic ability adjusted to the speed of the game. In my opinion we keep talking about footwork, because we do not really know how to develop a successful tennis player. We want to teach footwork but we are still debating what is the right way to swing the racquet.