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Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.5

Footwork and Court Movement

4 tests · 40 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

The split step and first step, adjustment steps, step patterns for different distances, and recovery to a good position.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1The split step and first stepTake a test

  1. The hop lands as the opponent hits so the player can move at once.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  2. The split step is a loading move that leads straight into the first step.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  3. The foot on the opposite side pushes the body in the direction of movement.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  4. A quick, correct first step saves time on every ball.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  5. Missing the timing delays the first move.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  6. Reading the opponent's racket and the ball sets up the direction.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  7. A springy landing lets the player push off either way.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  8. A player gets ready, loads with the split step, moves and recovers.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  9. The split step lands as the opponent hits, then the player steps and makes contact.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  10. The first step pushes off the foot opposite to the direction of travel.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · applied

Test 2Adjustment stepsTake a test

  1. Adjustment steps let a player place their feet just right for contact.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  2. They are made just before the swing starts.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  3. Short steps keep the body under control as the ball arrives.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  4. A small step back gives the arm room to swing.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · applied

  5. Reaching with the last step makes the swing less stable.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  6. A split step starts the move, then small steps fine-tune the position.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  7. The last step places the feet for balance and power.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  8. A player loads, moves, fine-tunes and sets the last step.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  9. Steps shrink as the player gets close to the ball.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  10. Small steps that fine-tune distance to the ball are adjustment steps.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · applied

Test 3Step patternsTake a test

  1. Side-steps keep the body facing the court over short moves.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  2. Crossing the legs lets a player run, which is quicker over distance.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  3. Recovery steps bring the player back into position.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  4. Crossed feet at contact reduces stability.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  5. A drop step turns the body to move back for a deep ball.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  6. Turning and running is faster and safer than backpedalling.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  7. Good recovery means being set for the next ball.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  8. Movement grows from a tiny step to a full sprint.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  9. A player finishes the shot, stops, recovers and resets.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · applied

  10. A crossover step covers more ground than side-steps.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · applied

Test 4Recovery and court positionTake a test

  1. The best recovery spot depends on the angles the opponent can reach.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  2. A cross-court ball can be returned only at certain angles, so the cover point moves.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  3. Positioning narrows the open court the opponent can aim at.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  4. A late or unbalanced recovery leaves the player struggling.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  5. A high ball gives the opponent a long wait and the player extra time.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  6. The neutral spot lets the player cover both sides.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  7. Reading the opponent's racket helps the player move early.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  8. The deeper the spot, the safer it is.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  9. The centre covers the most court for the next shot.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · recall

  10. Moving back to cover the court after a shot is recovery.

    Source: General coaching reference (footwork) · applied

Sources

ITF coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.

  • General coaching reference (footwork)40