Pickleball Footwork - The Split-Step

Pickleball Footwork – the Split-Step

We’ve all done it. Moving forward while hitting in pickleball is a common mistake. The added momentum often causes shots to sail long or pop up too high, making them easy for opponents to attack. Since you’re still in motion, you’re often off-balance, which affects both shot accuracy and positioning for the next shot. Additionally, the extra movement makes it difficult to execute softer shots like drops or dinks. Think of it like trying to hit a shot while standing on a moving ramp. You can do it, but it’s not easy.

When I used to make this mistake, I would mentally note it and move on. I didn’t have a plan to fix it. Then, a friend told me about the split-step.

What is the Split-Step?

The split-step is a small hop you do just before or as your opponent hits the ball. This movement helps you land in a balanced, athletic stance, ready to react quickly in any direction. If you’ve watched tennis, you’ve probably seen players hopping just before their opponent serves. They are preparing to move in any direction needed to return a powerful serve. The split-step is second nature to tennis players. The same principle applies in pickleball because it keeps you quick, balanced, and ready to react as you transition from the baseline toward the net.

Applying the Split-Step in Pickleball

Picture yourself moving toward the net. You’ve just hit a return of serve or a drop shot and are advancing. Just as your opponent is about to hit the ball, you take a small hop, splitting your feet shoulder-width apart and landing on the balls of your feet with your paddle ready. That brief pause helps you stay balanced, react faster, and avoid the all-too-common mistake of overrunning the ball.

With this simple move, you instantly gain more control. Instead of rushing forward and getting caught off balance, you reset yourself and are ready to handle whatever shot comes your way.

How to Perform a Good Split-Step

Watch your opponent, and as they hit the ball, perform a small hop just an inch or two off the ground, nothing dramatic.
Split your feet shoulder-width apart, land on the balls of your feet, and keep your knees slightly bent with your weight forward.
Stay light and balanced, with your paddle in a ready position and your body prepared to move in any direction.

Don’t overthink the hop. What really matters is watching your opponent’s contact point, getting into a good stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, staying light on your toes, and being ready to react. You are pausing briefly to reset. Whether you do this with a small hop or a shuffle is up to you.

How to Practice the Split-Step

Have a partner hit shots toward you as you move toward the net.
Just before they make contact, do a split-step, then react to the shot.
Have them vary the shots (high, low, left, right) so you practice adjusting in different situations.
Repeat the drill until it becomes second nature.

Final Thoughts

The split-step is not just about footwork, it is about control. Instead of rushing forward without a plan, you pause just enough to stay balanced and ready.

Advanced players use the split-step instinctively, and with practice, it will become part of your natural movement, improving your reaction time, balance, and ability to cover the court.