Net transition: moving forward with short swings

What this lesson covers

Transitioning from the back of the court to the net requires moving forward with the shot rather than hitting and running. Players often waste time by taking large backswings, but this drill forces compact movements by reducing the time between shots. Keeping the racket in a ready position near the body allows for quicker reactions and prevents messy, uncontrolled shots. Maintaining balance is the primary challenge during this movement. Instead of leaning forward on the toes or nose, the weight must remain centered on the glutes during the split step. This stable base allows the player to adjust quickly if the ball is played to the body or away. By shifting weight forward only at the moment of contact, the player stays ready for the next ball regardless of its trajectory. The goal is to shorten the backswing and improve court coverage through efficient footwork and hip rotation. This progression is ideal for players who struggle with timing their approach to the net and find themselves out of position when the ball is played back to them.