Let’s bust a myth that drives me a little bit crazy—this idea that you have to stop moving to hit the ball. It’s simply not true. What you really need is stability, not stillness.
Stop Stopping—Start Stabilizing
A lot of the time, players feel like they have to stop because they’re moving too fast. They’re rushing, so the only option they see is to slam on the brakes. But if you slow things down just a little, you can stay in motion and still stay in control.
Think about it like driving. You’re coming up to a stop sign, but there’s no one around—you kind of slow-roll through it. That’s what I want your footwork to feel like. You’re in control, not slamming to a halt.
The Two-Step to Better Balance and Power
Here’s how I want you to move:
- First Step – If the ball is going to your right, your right foot should turn toward the ball. This is your first move—your stability step. That’s where your power and lift come from.
- Second Step – Now your left foot (if you’re right-handed) steps forward. That’s your gain ground step.
That forward movement gives you weight transfer, spin, and depth. You’re not just reacting—you’re driving through the ball with purpose.
Don’t Get Locked Up
When players stop completely, they often lead with their front foot and get stuck. There’s no help from the back foot, the paddle drifts behind, and everything starts to feel rushed and jammed.
Worse, when players stop and panic, they tend to cross-step immediately. That pulls them off balance and outside their court. But when you decelerate into the ball instead of stopping cold, you create a natural first step that stabilizes and gets you back in position faster.
Dynamic Stability—Not Dead Stops
I think of it as dynamic stability. You’re moving, but you’re in control. Your hips, your shoulders, your paddle—they’re all working together in one fluid motion. That’s what helps you stay ready not just for this shot, but for the next one.
If you’re standing still, nothing’s moving. No weight transfer, no hip action, no paddle acceleration. But if you’re stepping through the ball, your entire body is engaged—and that creates a better, more effective shot.
So remember: you don’t need to stop. You need to stabilize. Move with control, transfer your weight, and always prepare for the next ball.
