This has been super useful for me. I learnt tennis as a kid long ago, I know about the split-step when moving to the net, I knew that I was not really doing it BUT I didn't realize I was actually rushing to the net, trying to hit my first volley much too close to the net. Forcing myself to have my split step earlier made me to hit those 1st volleys more balanced, which allowed me to focus on putting this 1st volley very deep to then play a 2nd volley in a better position. Result: more balanced for this 1st volley, easier to reach for passing, easier to handle returns in my feet, so a lot more volleys in. And also as I was not rushing as much, I was also able to reach for overheads way better. The way you framed it made me realize all this, so thanks for the tip!
I have been coaching high school tennis and teaching for a long time. I usually like to use mini tennis first to help build volley skills. We start with one player feeding a ball from the service line to his practice partner standing in the service box. The objective is establish direction control of the volley and rally the ball back an forth. 5 forehand then 5 backhand. Players then switch from feeding to hitting volley. I like to use a 3 ball drill and have players hit the first ball feed as an approach then Split step when I drop and hit the second ball which they volley. They move forward and Split Step when the third ball is dropped and hit so they can close in to finish with a volley. Once they are comfortable with this drill I would move on to teach hitting a serve and move forward to split step when I drop and hit a return then they close and split step. The tough part about teaching tactics is building the necessary skills to carry them out. I like to compare moving in to the net with basketball when you drive to the hoop for a slam dunk. It’s about putting pressure on your opponents and taking to them not just sitting back and hoping them hit it out.
Probably a stupid question, but does this apply to doubles as well and if so, I'm assuming you'd take 3 steps into the side of the court from where you served? I'm new to the game so please be kind!
Not a stupid question at all! I think the same applies to doubles: you still need the split step to react to the return, even if there is not as much uncertainty about where the return will come. The split step allows to be more balanced to play this first volley, I think. Just make sure your partner knows you're S/V-ing so they know what to expect and whether to cover the center or not so much because you're coming to the net.
Learn to volley left handed. It's not that hard. If you think you can't, hit your right hand with a hammer; you'll *have* to learn if you want to play at all! 😅
Bc after 25 years of coaching rec players I’ve learned how much most struggle with that. They know to split step when opponent hits but they forget to. So I suggest they take a few steps and split step and it helps them to do it. Thanks!!!
I agree with you. It’s not easy to get people to carve out time to meet you at a tennis court a film for a couple hours. People are busy. So most of my content is solo. Thanks for watching!
@@2MinuteTennis appreciate that and hope comment received as intended, love your videos and you're having a positive impact on my playing and coaching. Thanks for all the great content. FYI I played last night and was much more competitive vs a pair I've been well beaten by in the past after your tips on taking balls on the rise. Kids at the club also enjoyed trying this out and are def taking balls earlier so with more power and less energy expended as they crowd the ball more often to get more kinetic energy from a rising ball
This has been super useful for me. I learnt tennis as a kid long ago, I know about the split-step when moving to the net, I knew that I was not really doing it BUT I didn't realize I was actually rushing to the net, trying to hit my first volley much too close to the net. Forcing myself to have my split step earlier made me to hit those 1st volleys more balanced, which allowed me to focus on putting this 1st volley very deep to then play a 2nd volley in a better position. Result: more balanced for this 1st volley, easier to reach for passing, easier to handle returns in my feet, so a lot more volleys in. And also as I was not rushing as much, I was also able to reach for overheads way better. The way you framed it made me realize all this, so thanks for the tip!
I've lost so many S&V points since I was always sprinting towards the net without a split step. Thanks
This will help you a lot. Thanks!
I got important and useful tennis skills from your coaching. Thank you so much at South Korea.
The 'brake' will be a keyword for my split step. Thanks @2MinuteTennis Ryan for the tip! This reminds me the 'brake' from the non-serving arm as well.
Dude, this was a masterful video! Well done!
Thanks so much for your tips about split-step, and Greetings from Rome Italy
Good stuff. More players need to come to net. Rarely ever see serve and volley at 3.5 rec levels. Even at 3.5 rec doubles... Also shortens the points!
This video was definitely needed
Thank you Coach
Good stuff! Foot work and contact point are my current focus.
I have been coaching high school tennis and teaching for a long time. I usually like to use mini tennis first to help build volley skills. We start with one player feeding a ball from the service line to his practice partner standing in the service box. The objective is establish direction control of the volley and rally the ball back an forth. 5 forehand then 5 backhand. Players then switch from feeding to hitting volley. I like to use a 3 ball drill and have players hit the first ball feed as an approach then Split step when I drop and hit the second ball which they volley. They move forward and Split Step when the third ball is dropped and hit so they can close in to finish with a volley. Once they are comfortable with this drill I would move on to teach hitting a serve and move forward to split step when I drop and hit a return then they close and split step. The tough part about teaching tactics is building the necessary skills to carry them out. I like to compare moving in to the net with basketball when you drive to the hoop for a slam dunk. It’s about putting pressure on your opponents and taking to them not just sitting back and hoping them hit it out.
A good kick serve will allow you to get to the net tough
Probably a stupid question, but does this apply to doubles as well and if so, I'm assuming you'd take 3 steps into the side of the court from where you served? I'm new to the game so please be kind!
Not a stupid question at all! I think the same applies to doubles: you still need the split step to react to the return, even if there is not as much uncertainty about where the return will come. The split step allows to be more balanced to play this first volley, I think. Just make sure your partner knows you're S/V-ing so they know what to expect and whether to cover the center or not so much because you're coming to the net.
Great advice. Can you please do doubles pouching on the ad side? I tend to pouch on deuce side since it’s easier….
Learn to volley left handed. It's not that hard. If you think you can't, hit your right hand with a hammer; you'll *have* to learn if you want to play at all! 😅
Where is your ball basket from? 😍
shouldn't the split be timed for when he hits, not just 3 steps?
Yes. The split step happens around the time your opponent hits. And on average that’s 3 steps after serving. Thanks!!!
I wonder why you are counting steps instead of split step the moment returner hit the ball.
Bc after 25 years of coaching rec players I’ve learned how much most struggle with that. They know to split step when opponent hits but they forget to. So I suggest they take a few steps and split step and it helps them to do it. Thanks!!!
Pete Sampras hardy ever went forward to serve & volley; otherwise John McEnroe always went forward on his first serve!
This is good, I'd have loved to see you with a partner so we could see how it looks when a few points are played out?
I agree with you. It’s not easy to get people to carve out time to meet you at a tennis court a film for a couple hours. People are busy. So most of my content is solo. Thanks for watching!
@@2MinuteTennis appreciate that and hope comment received as intended, love your videos and you're having a positive impact on my playing and coaching. Thanks for all the great content. FYI I played last night and was much more competitive vs a pair I've been well beaten by in the past after your tips on taking balls on the rise. Kids at the club also enjoyed trying this out and are def taking balls earlier so with more power and less energy expended as they crowd the ball more often to get more kinetic energy from a rising ball
Great tips, but on your examples of serve ands volley you're rushing your split step. Take your time, be balanced.
👍👍