MOVE THE FEET!

April 2026

MOVE THE FEET!

I am watching some women’s clay court matches today on the Tennis Channel.  One match in particular was dominated by one player who was double digits in age older than her younger opponent and several inches shorter.  Looks like a mismatch on paper…except…the Footwork of the two players tells a different story.  The younger, taller and stronger opponent hesitates for just a split second after striking the ball and becomes what I call a spectator rather than a participant.   While she is certainly a talented and outstanding player this subtle hesitation causes her to be slightly late to each ball.   The more balls struck on a given point the more pronounced it becomes.   To the casual fan players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and especially Serena Williams are likely thought of as great ball strikers…and they are.   Sabalenka and Williams in particular are tall, large framed and very strong players that hit big balls.   However, in my opinion what sets those players apart from their peers are their footwork.  If you watch Sabalenka you will see her feet are never quiet - always lively, especially the short stutter-steps so to speak.   Serena is the same - lively feet, never quiet.   Combine that with their talent and not hard to see why they are successful.  

We will discuss the brain more later but for now - Lazy Feet=Lazy Brain=greater potential for losses.  

Do you want to be a winner?  Then keep the feet lively!

Go hit ‘em good and most important HAVE FUN!

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”