A common habit at the kitchen is lifting the foot and putting it back down in nearly the same spot. While it feels like movement, it actually creates instability without giving you any advantage. When you “fake step”: • Your balance drops • You don’t create space from the ball • Your contact point gets jammed • You can’t transfer weight effectively Effective kitchen movement means stepping to create space and stability, not just reacting with your feet. 👉 This week’s focus: Notice when you lift your foot. Did it create space? Or did it just disrupt your balance? Prioritize purposeful steps that help you control your contact point.

Ever totally miss a return… and it lands right in front of you? Yep. Same. (See blooper 😂) But here’s the truth — most missed returns aren’t about your swing. They’re about your feet. Inside this new Premium video, I break down: ✔️ When to split step (and why most players are late) ✔️ The outside step that creates momentum forward ✔️ Why “plant, hit, then run” keeps you stuck ✔️ How to move through your return so you’re arriving at the kitchen in control ✔️ How better footwork sets up your 4th shot automatically If you feel rushed on returns… If you’re arriving late to the kitchen… If you’re off balance after contact… This video is for you. We don’t just want to get the ball back. We want to return with purpose and take space immediately. 🎥 Watch it now inside Premium. Let’s clean up that first step and start winning more points off the return.

Kitchen decision: if you’re leaning in to volley a ball that’s nearly touching the ground, you’re not gaining anything—and you’re rushing. Better option: let it bounce, pivot back so you’re behind the ball, then hit it as it rises. You’ll see the court better and choose a smarter target.

Transition comparison: many 3.0–3.5 players run forward, their head height changes, and they arrive off-balance. Pros glide—staying low with a steady head and controlled steps so they’re ready for the next ball. Next session: try “quiet head” transitions and feel the difference.

At the kitchen line, avoid crossing your feet. It closes your hips and costs recovery time—especially when you need to get back and cover middle after an attack. Keep your hips open and facing your opponents so you can move efficiently both directions. Do you catch yourself crossing more on forehand or backhand side?