💪 Move Like a Pro: Footwork Drills to Level Up Your Game

💪 Move Like a Pro: Footwork Drills to Level Up Your Game

If you want to play smoother, faster, and more balanced pickleball — start with your feet. Great players don’t just react; they glide into every shot. Footwork is the foundation of control, and when your body moves efficiently, your hands look like magic.

🌀 1. Stay Light and Ready

Your stance is your launchpad. Keep your knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet, and paddle up. Think athletic, not static. If you feel flat-footed or heavy, bounce lightly between shots — you’ll instantly feel quicker.

🔄 2. Small Steps, Big Difference

The most common footwork mistake? Reaching instead of moving. Instead of lunging for that dink or drop, shuffle into position with small, controlled steps. You’ll hit cleaner and recover faster.

Try this drill:

Drop a ball on your paddle and bounce it while moving sideways down the kitchen line. Focus on keeping your balance and eyes up. It teaches rhythm, control, and smooth movement.

🏃 3. The “Split-Step” Secret

Every time your opponent makes contact with the ball, hop lightly and land balanced. That’s the split step. It’s your trigger to react fast in any direction — left, right, or forward. Watch any pro rally, and you’ll see it before every quick exchange.

🧘 4. Build Athleticism Off the Court

Footwork isn’t just practiced with a paddle. Add a few minutes of balance and agility work to your routine:

• Jump rope for 60 seconds

• Do ladder or cone drills

• Practice single-leg balance with eyes closed

  
  

  These simple habits turn you into a smoother mover on court — and protect your knees and ankles.

🔥 5. Recover After Every Shot

After hitting, don’t admire your work! Reset your feet and get ready for the next ball. Every time you move, think “hit and recover.” This rhythm keeps you centered and always ready to respond.

🎯 The Takeaway

Clean footwork turns chaos into control. You’ll feel less rushed, hit more consistent shots, and spend less energy chasing balls. Smooth movement makes everything else — your dinks, drops, and drives — more reliable.

Next time you’re on court, remember: your feet set up your hands.

✅ Want to improve your movement and balance?

Join one of my Arroyo Vista clinics where we mix agility, coordination, and shot precision — all while having fun.

🌐 www.TomCostaPickleball.com | 📲 805-587-0004