Footwork adjustment: maintaining balance in the corner

What this lesson covers

Effective movement in the corner requires keeping the weight on the back foot during the swing. When the back foot stays behind the front foot, the player maintains a stable base, allowing for greater control over the shot selection. This position provides the necessary stability to choose between a chiquita down the line, a cross-court shot, or a lob.

Shifting the hip forward during the stroke often leads to a loss of balance and reduced control. While some professional players use this hip rotation to generate extra power when they are deep or under pressure, it requires high technical awareness to manage the resulting instability. For most situations, keeping the weight anchored on the back leg prevents the body from over-rotating. This adjustment is particularly relevant for the bandeja and volley, where excessive side-on movement frequently causes players to lose their center of gravity.