The split step is an essential technique in pickleball that can help you improve your footwork, timing, reaction time, accuracy, speed, positioning, and balance. By incorporating the split step into your game, you can take your pickleball game to the next level.
What is the split step?
The split step is a quick, two-footed hop that you perform just before your opponent hits the ball. It helps you stay balanced and ready to move in any direction, so that you can react quickly to the ball and hit it with accuracy.
When to use the split step
The split step can be used in any situation in pickleball, but it is especially important on serves, returns, volleys, and groundstrokes. By using the split step, you can improve your chances of making a good shot and winning the point.
How to do the split step
To do the split step, follow these steps:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- As your opponent hits the ball, quickly hop up and down, landing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over your feet.
- Be ready to move in any direction.
Practicing the split step
The best way to improve your split step is to practice it regularly. You can practice the split step by yourself or with a partner. Here are a few tips for practicing the split step:
- Start by practicing the split step without a ball.
- Once you are comfortable with the split step, practice it with a partner.
- Have your partner hit the ball to you at different speeds and angles.
- Practice moving in different directions after you do the split step.
- With enough practice, the split step will become a natural part of your pickleball game.
There are many great YouTube videos that can help you improve your split step technique in pickleball. Here are a few examples that you may find helpful:
In this video, Barrett of Pickleball Kitchen explains what split stepping is and how to use it properly in pickleball. He also includes some examples and shows you how to do it. Keep in mind that you don’t have to split step right when the ball is hit. Split stepping once the ball is on the way to you is totally fine!
In this video, the One Infinite explains the fundamentals and basics of the Split Step, shows us developmental footwork drills, and provides an in-game demonstration and explanation of the “Split Step” philosophy.
In this video, Sarah Ansboury talks about some footwork items, including the split step, weight transfer, and movement. This video has some tips on some basic third-shot techniques. There are many other options and solutions when it comes to the third shot, but this is focused on particular things that you can expand on the more experienced you get with your third shot.
In summary, the split step is an essential technique in pickleball that can help you improve your game. By incorporating the split step into your game, you can take your pickleball game to the next level. By watching and practicing along with these videos, you can improve your split step technique and elevate your pickleball game.
The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING and HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL — both are available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.