Stage 1 of Slate’s opening is complete. We’ve evaluated hundreds of Stage 1 members. We’re so grateful for having the opportunity to meet you all and have you all on court.
As spoken of in previous blogs, our coaching team has noticed specific patterns of play that get a lot of players in trouble and prevent them from being placed in a higher Level. One of the big ones occurs in the midcourt. We want to help you be the best you can be, so read on!
Many players make plentiful, wide-ranging errors in that midcourt transition zone. Balls often catch them by surprise with drives or speed-ups, or they are often unable to adapt to lower or wider balls. Balance and effective contact points goes out the window, I’m sorry to say.
There is a single action you can make that will drastically improve your ability to adapt and execute shots in the transition zone/midcourt.
The split-step.
This little jumping motion with a wide base resets your entire physical body and prepares you for athleticism. If you’re moving up to the non-volley-zone (NVZ), right before the opponents hit the ball, take a wide-stanced hop, landing on the balls of your feet and with slightly bent knees. You’ll stop your progression to the ideal NVZ position, but you’ll notice your ability to adjust is greatly improved.
Your muscles have been reset, ready to take on the challenges ahead. Your feet are ready to push off and go go go. Balance is restored!
The challenge with the split-step can often be the timing. You have to anticipate when your opponents will hit the ball. If you split-step too early, you’ll get stuck, and you’ll lose access to the athletic boost the split-step provides. Split-step too late, and you’ll be in the middle of the air unable to adapt to the ball as it flies at you, or in some cases, past you. Remember, right before they strike the ball you do it!
You may have to do a double split-step when you send your own drops if your opponents look like they’re going to volley, but then end up letting the ball bounce and hitting a groundstroke. Watch the ball and their swings!
Stay tuned to our INSTAGRAM for a video rendition of this blog.
See you at Stage 2 of our opening coming very soon!
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