THE LONG LAST STEP

With the US Open starting this week, there is plenty to learn while watching the matches, which we can use to improve our game.

One technique you will see often over the next two weeks is 'THE LONG LAST STEP.' The top players use this technique to help with coordination, timing, and balance as they move around the court to hit the ball.

To understand The Long Last Step, we need to break the whole topic of movement into 3 parts. All 3 parts relate to each other, and The Long Last Step is an integral element of them.

#1 MOMENTUM

When you run to hit a ground stroke, momentum is created. As you reach the ball, that momentum has to be disciplined before you attempt to hit the ball; otherwise, you will lose balance during the stroke. Any balance problems during the execution of a stroke will mean a lack of consistency.

To control your body's momentum, we create a last step that is longer than the other steps used to reach the ball. By stepping long in this way, we have built a platform on which we can pivot.

In tennis, maintaining balance and creating ground 

inertia can be tough sometimes.

#2 BALANCE

When you create a platform with your 'Long Last Step' you are trying to place a foot in a position that will support your momentum and also balance you during the execution of the shot.

The foot you use for this is called the contact foot. The Long Last Step and the Contact Foot are linked together in one action.

The Contact Foot becomes your source of power and timing for the stroke and therefore very important. 

Novak Djokovic has executed his Long Last Step

#3 THE LINE

What the best players do now is coordinate the positioning of an imaginary Line from their head, and that runs directly down through their body and finishes at their contact foot. This Line should be coordinated at the exact moment of contact.

Coordinating the Line in this way will give you perfect balance and optimal timing and power as you hit the ball, just like the pros at the US Open.

SUMMARY

Watching the top players is fun, especially when you understand exactly what they try to do during matches. However, the Long Last Step is something we can all try ourselves. You will immediately see the benefits of controlling your movement and balance during a groundstroke.