The exercise is played in pairs down the line on the baseline. After each stroke, the player deliberately steps forward over the baseline. This is followed by the transition movement for the next ball. The baseline serves as a clear spatial reference: the contact point should be chosen and the movement to the ball organized in such a way that active movement over the line is possible after the stroke. This already trains the connection between stroke, forward movement, and subsequent positioning during warm up strokes.
Training Goal
- Use the baseline as a reference for your own positioning.
- Develop active forward movement after the stroke.
- Match contact point and distance to the ball to the subsequent movement.
- Connect stroke and footwork into a fluid movement sequence.
- After moving forward, switch in time for the next ball.
Coaching Keys
- Play down the line with control and enough length.
- Prepare the contact point so that forward movement remains possible.
- Deliberately step over the baseline after each stroke.
- Link the stroke movement and the forward movement together.
- After stepping over, switch directly to the next ball.
Possible Corrections
The position remains behind the baseline after the stroke:
First make stepping over the line a mandatory movement task. The baseline then becomes a visible reference point.
The forward movement starts too late:
Do not wait until the entire stroke movement is complete before reacting. Stroke and forward movement should flow into each other as smoothly as possible.
The ball is struck from an unfavorable position:
Organize the distance and movement to the ball earlier. The contact point should allow a controlled stroke movement and the subsequent step over the line.
After stepping over, preparation for the next ball is missing:
Do not see the forward movement as the endpoint. Immediately afterward comes the transition movement for the next stroke.
Progressive Build-Up
1. Baseline as a fixed reference
Play down the line in pairs and step clearly over the baseline after each stroke. At first, only the movement task is the focus.
2. Create a fluid connection
Gradually connect the stroke and forward movement. Stepping over should not happen as an additional individual action, but become part of the overall movement sequence.
3. Allow different ball lengths
The feeds or strokes may vary slightly in length. The movement to the ball must be adjusted accordingly, but the baseline remains the central reference point.
4. Adjust position independently
The fixed instruction is loosened. Depending on ball length and contact point, decide how far the position can be adjusted forward.
5. Transfer into freer warm up strokes
The task is integrated into variable warm up strokes. Position relative to the baseline is now continuously adjusted to the respective game situation.
