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Step, Step, Rip !

By Michael Friedman

In my first article on the STEP, STEP, RIP, I explained how the step, step, rip movement pattern is the most natural and instinctive way to judge, move and time the slow ball. The result was a solution to hitting the slow ball with authority. In this article I want show how the same rhythm is used throughout the game of tennis.

The movement of your feet can serve as a timing mechanism to trigger all your shots, allowing you to hit with more power, precision, and consistency than you may have thought possible. Coaches always preach the importance of moving your feet. "Take a lot of little steps!" Most players know that they play better when they do this. How many times have you missed a ball and felt as you hit it that your feet were set in concrete? What I want to show you is the way the top players use these smaller steps in many different combinations to judge, position to and rip the tennis ball. The "Step, Step, Hit" allows you to keep moving on any ball with a pro 2 step pattern that will automatically trigger your rhythm and timing.

The two steps will differ depending on the stroke and the situation. In this article, we'll explore the specific patterns to hit on the rise, to hit with an open stance, to hit the modern "load and explode" forehand, to hit the one-handed backhand, and finally to hit the overhead smash.

On the Rise

When you let a ball come down toward a second bounce you have given your opponent time. You might have been able to take the ball on the rise and taken time away from your opponent instead. This can be the difference between you playing the ball and the ball playing you. Recognizing the right situation is the key to learning when to hit early. If you can judge where the ball is going to bounce you can move into position with your back foot, then step with the right foot and hit the ball at a comfortable contact point on the rise.

When you hit on the rise, a combination of footwork with a continuous backward and forward swing creates natural power. The backswing is synchronized with the bounce of the ball and the step with the right foot. The left foot steps forward or slightly to the side, and a continuous swing flow is generated as the ball comes up off the bounce. For a right hander, the two step pattern is: right foot step, left foot step, hit. Again that's right foot, left foot, then rip!

This two step rhythm also applies when hitting on the rise from the full open stance. It's just that the sequence of the steps is usually reversed. Instead of stepping right then stepping left, you step left first, then step right. Watch Federer's last two steps. He takes the cross step with the left foot, then lands and loads on his right foot, then hits. Grips can play a big role in which stance you use. Eastern or milder semi-western grips like Federer or Agassi are more conducive to stepping in, although it is also possible to use them to play the ball open. With more extreme semi-western grips, players will tend to hit on the rise from the open stance more exclusively.

Load and Explode

With the more extreme grips, you see the same two step open stance pattern more frequently, even balls that are coming down or hit from behind on the baseline. David Nalbandian is a example of how to use this right, left pattern "to load and explode" on the forehand. His stroke is efficient, powerful and dependable. He hits it with great ease and confidence. To me he's a perfect model for the modern forehand.

Look closely at the last two steps. The first is a cross step with the left foot. The second step is with the right leg. With the right leg he loads with the knee bend and then explodes to the ball. Watch how he keeps the left leg in front of the body in the air until the swing is finished. So it's left foot cross step, right foot load, then rip.

This is the modern look for the forehand. It allows the body to load, explode, and recover in one smooth movement. In the open stance, the player recovers to the left after rotating through the shot, allowing the recovery to be more efficient. The kinetic chain is once again triggered by the step, step rhythm.

One-Handed Backhand

I think that Roger Federer's one-handed backhand is the ultimate model to emulate. Every aspect of his swing is designed for power, spin and reliability. But let's focus on the timing and rhythm of his feet. Look at how he makes a small adjustment step out of the split step. He then drives off his left foot, stabilizes on his right leg with the knees coiled, and triggers his swing. This is a perfect example of the step, step rhythm. Left step, right step, hit. First the drive off the left leg. Then the right foot "sticks the landing" and resists moving, allowing the swing to accelerate through the contact point. Note how the back leg actually moves backwards away from the hit!

The Volley

Tim Henman's footwork on his volley is impeccable. He never seems to be in the wrong position, or moving the wrong way at the net. After the split step, his first step is with the foot closest to the ball. This step is the positioning step. This is his right foot on the forehand and his left foot on the backhand. The load from his first step drives the second step into the volley, which put him in rhythm with the contact. The step-in and the hit are synchronized as part of a continous flow.

If Tim only stepped across with his left foot, his timing would be off. Once you allow yourself to step with the right foot first and get correct position to the ball then, you can then step in with the left. Again there are two steps creating the step, step rhythm.

Overhead Smash

Andre Agassi and Martina Navratalova both have great overhead smashes. Here we have two very different overheads, but both use the step, step footwork rhythm. As with all the strokes this footwork is used as a timing device to trigger the kinetic chain. Watch Martina's last two steps. She crosses over with the right foot, then lands on the coiled left leg and launches up, triggering her swing. This right, left two step rhythm enables the player to use the natural timing of their swing, moving backwards.

When Agassi lets a high defensive lob bounce, the timing of his swing again comes from his footwork. Watch as Agassi shuffles step back and positions his feet behind the ball, keeping his hands relaxed. The motion resembles his serve. He starts by raising both arms, and then makes two subtle steps. The first is with his front foot from his left to his right. Then second is forward with his rear foot, triggering the swing.

As we saw in the first article, the way to develop a feel for all these combinations is by actually saying "Step, Step, Hit" to yourself as you practice. Rehearse the pattern of the steps for each shot. Now as your partner or teaching pro feeds you balls, coordinate the left and right foot steps with the verbal "Step, Step, Hit." mantra. Say it to yourself and let the words sync with the actual steps and the swing: "Step, Step, Hit." Again, "Step, Step, Hit." You will start the feel the rhythm of this quite quickly. With practice you will find that the words, the steps, and the timing of the shot blend together as a smooth and continuous whole. You can use the words and feeling of the "Step, Step, Hit" focus on the process of executing your strokes and the shots you want will tend to naturally follow. You have now developed a powerful new way to execute your shots under match pressure.