Approach Footwork and Net Transition
Footwork & Movement
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Develop the footwork pattern for moving forward to attack a short ball and transitioning efficiently to net position.
What you need
- tennis racket
- tennis balls
- court
- ball hopper
Your focus
Attacking short balls with proper approach footwork allows players to generate pace and direction while closing the net, a high-percentage pattern in match play. The split step on the approach volley is a distinct skill from the baseline split step and requires separate practice. Mastering this transition opens the net game as a tactical weapon.
Player starts at the baseline center; coach feeds a short ball to mid-court forehand side.
Player reads the short ball, moves forward using an inside-out footwork pattern (small adjustment steps), and hits an approach shot down the line.
Immediately after contact, player closes to the net using a series of small adjustment steps (not a sprint) and performs a split step at the service line.
Coach feeds a volley from the opposite side; player volleys to the open court. Repeat 10 times each side.
Goal
You're there when your approach shot lands deep and you're already closing to the net, the footwork and the shot happen together, not one then the other.
Helpful cues
- Move through the ball, not around it
- Split at the service line, expect the pass
- Approach down the line, volley to the open court
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Coach calls 'go' before feeding so the player can anticipate the short ball.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Coach can feed either a passing shot or a lob after the approach, requiring the player to react and adjust.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.