Introduction: A Common Mistake
When I first started playing tennis seriously, I was obsessed with hitting big.
I wanted explosive forehands, crushing serves, and that pop sound you hear from professionals on TV. I thought more power meant more wins.
But after a few too many errors, poor positioning, and missed opportunities, I started to realise something important:
You can’t hit a clean shot if your feet aren’t in the right place.
No matter how strong your swing is, footwork is the foundation. If that’s shaky, everything else falls apart.
In this post, I’ll explain why I made footwork my priority, how it changed my game, and what drills helped me improve it.
The Wake-Up Call: Power Without Positioning = Point Lost
Early on, I’d rip huge forehands — from the wrong place. I’d stretch for backhands off balance. I’d run hard to a ball, only to stop too late or too early. My technique wasn’t the problem. It was how I got to the ball.
I started to see a pattern:
- Late to the shot = rushed swing
- Too close to the ball = jammed arms
- Off balance = mishit or unforced error
And when I watched pro players more carefully, I noticed something surprising:
It wasn’t just their technique. It was how well they moved to set it up.
That’s when I decided to shift my focus.
Why Footwork Matters More Than Power
1. It Builds the Base for Every Shot
You can’t consistently hit clean groundstrokes or serves unless your body is stable. That stability starts with your feet.
2. It Helps You Stay in Control Under Pressure
Good footwork keeps you calm. Instead of lunging or reacting late, you’re already there. You can choose your shot, not just survive it.
3. It Makes Recovery Faster
It’s not just about hitting the ball — it’s about getting ready for the next one. Efficient movement = better positioning for the entire rally.
4. It Conserves Energy
Footwork isn’t just about speed — it’s about efficiency. Better movement = fewer wasted steps, less fatigue, and more gas in the tank during long matches.
My Turning Point: When I Started Training My Feet, Not Just My Arms
Once I shifted my focus, everything began to change.
Here’s what I did differently:
- Shadow drills with an emphasis on split-step, pivot, and recovery
- Ladder work for coordination and quick direction changes
- On-court movement drills — like cone-to-cone footwork before hitting
- Slowed down rallies to prioritise balance over pace
Within a few weeks:
- I was hitting cleaner with less effort
- I got to balls earlier, which gave me more options
- I started controlling points, not chasing them
The Key Footwork Elements I Focused On
| Skill | What I Changed | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Split Step | Timed it better before opponent’s contact | Helped me react quicker |
| Approach Steps | Smaller, lighter steps into the shot | Improved balance and contact point |
| Recovery Steps | Built habits to reset fast | Gave me time to prepare for next shot |
| Crossover Steps | Used after wide shots | Covered more court efficiently |
| Stop & Balance | Practised ending on my outside leg | Boosted stability for heavy shots |
Favourite Footwork Drills
Here are the ones that made the biggest difference:
Ladder Drills (5–10 mins before every session)
Builds fast feet, coordination and rhythm
- In & out
- Lateral shuffle
- Diagonal steps
- Crossover into sprint
4-Cone Movement Drill
Set up cones in a square and move:
- Forward → back
- Side → side
- Random callouts from a coach/friend for reactivity
Add a ball feed at the end for realistic court simulation
Shadow Rallies with Recovery Focus
- 10 shadow shots with proper recovery step each time
- Focus on split step, contact point, and getting back to neutral
Bonus: do it to a metronome or music for rhythm training
Results: What Changed in My Game
Before focusing on footwork:
- I relied on hand-eye coordination
- I was exhausted by the second set
- I’d lose matches I should have won due to bad positioning
After footwork became a priority:
- I saw time differently — I felt calmer on court
- My unforced errors dropped significantly
- I was able to dictate play, not just react
- My shots actually got more powerful — with less effort
Funny how it works: Better feet = better shots.
Final Thoughts: Master Movement, Then Add Muscle
If you’re chasing power, I get it.
But ask yourself: What’s the point of power if you’re never in the right place to use it?
💬 Footwork gives you access to your full potential. It’s the key to unlocking your timing, your balance, and your confidence.
So here’s my advice:
- Be obsessed with movement
- Train your feet as much as your forehand
- Respect the rhythm of the game
- And remember: the ball doesn’t care how strong your arms are — it cares where your feet put you.
