Hey everyone, Sarah Ansboury here! Let’s talk about something that drives me absolutely insane: the obsession with shuffling on the court. Shuffling side to side might seem like the right way to move, but it’s actually holding you back. Let me explain why—and show you a better way to cover the court effectively.
Why Shuffling Doesn’t Work
The problem with shuffling is how it keeps your body square to the net. When you shuffle, your hips compress, your knees bend, and your movement becomes rigid. Worst of all, you lose the ability to rotate your hips and shoulders, which are critical for controlling your shots and positioning yourself effectively.
When you’re stuck in that “crab walk” shuffle, it takes five to ten small steps to cover the same distance you could with just one proper step. Plus, the constant side-to-side motion prevents your body from working as efficiently as it’s designed to.
The Secret to Better Court Coverage
Here’s the key to better movement—and the good news is, it’s so simple. Your body naturally moves more effectively when it’s in a forward motion. Instead of shuffling, use a single step that incorporates proper weight transfer and body rotation.
Here’s how it works:
Moving to Your Backhand Side
- Turn your left toe outward toward the ball.
- Release your weight onto that foot.
- Now, your hips and shoulders naturally rotate, giving you a full range of motion.
This small adjustment engages your lower body and puts your weight behind your movement. You’ll get to the ball faster, with more power and control.
Moving to Your Forehand Side
- Turn your right toe outward toward the ball.
- Let your left toe follow to fully rotate your hips.
- With this rotation, you’re now moving forward rather than staying square.
By stepping forward and engaging your hips and shoulders, you can cover more ground with less effort—and set yourself up for a better shot every time.
Why This Works
Forward movement isn’t just more efficient—it’s how your body is designed to move. With every step, you’re engaging the bigger muscle groups in your legs, transferring your weight effectively, and maintaining control.
When you ditch the shuffle and adopt this forward-moving approach, you’ll notice:
- Faster recovery to your ready position.
- Smoother, more efficient movement.
- Better balance and control on every shot.
Break the Shuffling Habit
Shuffling might feel familiar, but it’s limiting your game. By making this simple adjustment—turning your toes, engaging your hips, and stepping forward—you’ll cover the court more effectively and unlock a whole new level of control and confidence.
Give it a try today and see how much easier it is to get to every ball!
See you on the courts!
