In Boxing footwork is important to help the Boxer maintain
his balance and stance, while slipping a punch, i.e. making an opponent miss
his target—or by helping a Boxer deliver a punch by springing off the rear
foot, which generates the movement forward towards the target.
While footwork in Tennis is necessary for balance and
control of the body movement as well, the real need for footwork helps
determine the reach and the speed adjustment of the player’s movement, along
with their being able to escape the danger of balls hit directly at them.
Without proper footwork at the net, balls which are not
reached with the short side step with the wrong foot, could well be an easy
point, when angled into the “Diagonal Gap,” when the players steps across one
foot to volley balls on the forehand or backhand.
Not only does the cross-over step give the players backhand
or forehand greater reach and extension, the player appears to be quicker in
recovering for any return volley.
Further, proper footwork permits better handling of low
balls, when the feet are well spread apart, and balls are played below the
waist, especially for tall players.
The Axiom is this. “The
taller the player the further apart the feet must be when volleying low balls.”
Finally, the most important footwork maneuver is the “Ball-Change”
or “Shuffle-Stopping Step.” This movement
is used to slow the players’ body momentum when running wide for a ball almost
out of reach, and which permits the player to adjust the speed, and to change
direction of the centrifugal force of his body to permit the racquet swing
towards the net, and in direction of the balls intended flight.
Concluding, not only does proper footwork prove essential
for safety, speed and agility, it is proven to be responsible for helping the
player to avoid injuries to knees, back, feet, hips and shoulders.
