Multiple Split Steps Like Djokovic and Osaka

Key Points

• Wide Stance for Balance: Maintain a wide stance, slightly wider than shoulder-width, with knees bent and weight slightly forward for stability.
• Posture Essentials: Keep your left hand up, racket forward, and stay low to engage muscles and prepare for quick reactions.
• Alertness is Key: Stay mentally focused between shots, tracking your opponent’s racket and movement to anticipate the next ball.
• Split Step Timing: Execute a split step just before your opponent hits, landing as they make contact to detect ball direction and speed.
• Action-Reaction: Use visual cues to quickly react and prepare for forehand or backhand within fractions of a second.
• Multiple Split Steps: Use 2–3 split steps during slower rallies to stay in rhythm and sync with the pace of the ball.
• Examples from Pros: Djokovic demonstrates muscle engagement and consistent split steps, a technique also used to improve Naomi Osaka’s timing.
• Discipline After Shots: Always return to the ready position with split steps after each shot to maintain rhythm and readiness.