# Footwork and Court Movement · Tennis Level 3: Pre-Intermediate

Tennis · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-3/footwork-and-court-movement/)

Footwork and Court Movement in Tennis (Level 3: Pre-Intermediate) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: the split step and first step; and more.

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

## Test 1: The split step and first step

- The hop lands as the opponent hits so the player can move at once. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The split step is a loading move that leads straight into the first step. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The foot on the opposite side pushes the body in the direction of movement. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A quick, correct first step saves time on every ball. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Missing the timing delays the first move. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Reading the opponent's racket and the ball sets up the direction. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A springy landing lets the player push off either way. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A player gets ready, loads with the split step, moves and recovers. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The split step lands as the opponent hits, then the player steps and makes contact. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The first step pushes off the foot opposite to the direction of travel. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))

## Test 2: Adjustment steps

- Adjustment steps let a player place their feet just right for contact. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- They are made just before the swing starts. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Short steps keep the body under control as the ball arrives. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A small step back gives the arm room to swing. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Reaching with the last step makes the swing less stable. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A split step starts the move, then small steps fine-tune the position. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The last step places the feet for balance and power. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A player loads, moves, fine-tunes and sets the last step. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Steps shrink as the player gets close to the ball. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Small steps that fine-tune distance to the ball are adjustment steps. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))

## Test 3: Step patterns

- Side-steps keep the body facing the court over short moves. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Crossing the legs lets a player run, which is quicker over distance. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Recovery steps bring the player back into position. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Crossed feet at contact reduces stability. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A drop step turns the body to move back for a deep ball. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Turning and running is faster and safer than backpedalling. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Good recovery means being set for the next ball. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Movement grows from a tiny step to a full sprint. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A player finishes the shot, stops, recovers and resets. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A crossover step covers more ground than side-steps. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))

## Test 4: Recovery and court position

- The best recovery spot depends on the angles the opponent can reach. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A cross-court ball can be returned only at certain angles, so the cover point moves. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Positioning narrows the open court the opponent can aim at. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A late or unbalanced recovery leaves the player struggling. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- A high ball gives the opponent a long wait and the player extra time. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The neutral spot lets the player cover both sides. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Reading the opponent's racket helps the player move early. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The deeper the spot, the safer it is. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- The centre covers the most court for the next shot. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))
- Moving back to cover the court after a shot is recovery. (Source: General coaching reference (footwork))

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.

Take the tests: https://insporta.app/try?utm_source=book&utm_medium=referral