Your split step is late — here's how to fix it

A late split step makes every shot feel rushed. Time it so you land at the exact moment your opponent hits the ball.

Start the small hop just before they make contact. Land on the balls of your feet with your knees bent, ready to push in any direction.

Practice: have a partner feed from the service line while you call 'hop' out loud on every split. Saying it trains the timing fast.

After two weeks you'll notice you have more time on every return and passing shot.