The split step. Call it an air hop if you prefer. But don’t underestimate its importance in helping you play your best tennis. It has been around since tennis was invented and players realized they could get a jump on the ball if they timed it just right.
If you google Bryan Brothers Volley warmup, you see a neat 1:47 clip with Mike at net and Bob at the baseline. It’s in slo motion and easy to see that Mike initiates the split step as the ball nears Bob’s racquet.
If you watch closely you’ll see why it could be called an air hop and the curious thing is that Mike appears to touch down only when the ball is 15-18 ft. off of Bob’s racquet.
It can safely be said that…’the better the player, the more dedicated they are to splitting on every ball.’
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