Start Step in Tennis: Importance and Practical Examples

21 de November, 2024

The start step is an essential component in tennis, performed immediately after the split. This first step is key to opening the movement corridor towards the ball and preparing the body to execute an effective shot. Here, we explain in detail what the start step is, its importance, and how to perform it correctly with practical examples.

What is the Start Step?

The start step is the first movement a player makes after the split. This initial step is fundamental to initiating movement towards the ball, allowing the player to position optimally for the shot. The goal is to maximize speed and efficiency in movement, ensuring the player is well-prepared and balanced for the next shot.

Importance of the Start Step

Opening the Movement Corridor:
The start step opens the movement corridor, creating the most direct and efficient path to the ball. This allows for a quick reaction and a smooth movement in the direction of the shot.

Body Preparation:
This step helps align the body in the direction of the shot, ensuring the player is in a strong and balanced position to execute a powerful and precise shot.

Improved Speed and Agility:
A proper start step enhances the player’s speed and agility, enabling them to cover more ground in less time and respond effectively to the opponent’s shots.

How to Perform the Start Step Correctly

From the Split:
Start in the split position, with knees bent and body weight slightly forward. This prepares you to move quickly in any direction.

Initiate the Step:
Take a quick and determined step with the foot closest to the direction you need to move. This step should be explosive, initiating the movement towards the ball, and with the proper length—too short covers little ground, and too long impedes speed. The opposite leg must generate an effective push against the ground in the direction you’re heading to reach the ball.

Open the Corridor:
When taking the start step, ensure you open the movement corridor. This means your body should slightly rotate in the direction of the shot, preparing the path for subsequent steps.

Body Profiling:
With the start step, begin profiling your body in the direction of the shot. This involves preparing the racket and torso for the next movement, ensuring you are ready to execute the shot with precision and power.

Biomechanical Tip:
To perform a strong and fast start step, maintain a low center of mass and create appropriate angles in your shins and torso (horizontalizing them) to generate greater acceleration and movement with this step.

 

 

Practical Examples

Returning a Serve:
After performing the split to anticipate the opponent’s serve, take a quick start step in the direction of the serve. This step allows you to move quickly towards the ball and position yourself correctly for the return.

During a Rally:
In a rally, every time the opponent hits the ball, perform a split followed by a start step in the direction of the ball. This constant movement ensures you are always well-positioned to return the shot effectively.

Training Exercise:
Practice the start step in specific training sessions. For example, perform splits followed by start steps in different directions, focusing on the speed and precision of the movement. This can include forward sprints, lateral movements, and diagonals.

Conclusion

The start step is a fundamental movement in tennis that, although simple in appearance, has a significant impact on a player’s performance. Performing a correct start step allows opening the movement corridor, preparing the body for the shot, and improving speed and agility on the court. Training the biomechanical aspects of this step will be essential. Practicing and perfecting this movement will help optimize your game, ensuring you are always in the best position to return the ball effectively and precisely.