One of the things that make Mike and Bob Bryan such proficient volleyers is their footwork. Watch the following video and pay close attention to the several shots of Bob Bryan (the lefty) at net.
It’s obvious that Bob’s feet are EXTREMELY active at net. They’re always moving. But what specific things should we try to emulate?
There are two things Bob is doing that we should copy. The first is how wide apart he positions his feet. Bob’s feet are EASILY wider than shoulder-width apart. This allows him to move explosively to both his left and right.
The second is what he’s doing in between volleys. He’s taking what could be described as several split steps as he waits for the next ball. This lets him make small adjustments in his court positioning and prevents him from becoming flat-footed. It’s important to note that by moving like this he preserves his ability to change direction quickly.
I can’t remember where I heard this, but someone once told me that “you volley with your feet.” Great advice. I think it’s clear from the video that Bob and Mike Bryan certainly do. How about you?
