The Golden Move #1:
The Step Down

David Bailey

When you want to take time away from your opponent, take the ball early, or hit a ball that bounces low, the key footwork pattern--or contact move-- is the Step Down. In this article David shows you the patterns of steps to move to, hit, and recover from a step down on the forehand—including forehands hit inside out and inside in—and both the two-handed and one handed backhand. Your distance from the ball dictates the first step and the following step movement patterns.

Executing these is critical for moving well to anywhere on the court. Hitting stances should also vary with distance to the ball and with the stroke itself. See it all in this incredible article based on David’s decades of study of the footwork of the best players in the world.