The split-step: the small jump that gets you moving faster
What the split-step is, when to do it, how to land, and three simple drills to practise it.
What it is
The split-step is a shallow jump, made just before your opponent hits the shuttle. You land with your feet a little wider than before and your knees bent, then push off towards the shuttle. According to the BWF Level 1 Coaches' Manual (2nd edition, 2017, Module 6), the floor "rebounds" you, so you leave the ground faster than from a standing start.
When to do it
Time the landing with, or just after, the moment your opponent strikes the shuttle. The manual says it can happen anywhere on the court, because it depends on where you are when the opponent hits. In the same manual, the base position is described as the court position from which you can best deal with the probable replies, and as the place where you do your split-step. The base is not a fixed spot: it moves with the rally.
How to land
- Widen your base and bend your knees on landing; this keeps you balanced.
- Keep your upper body relaxed, between your feet, with a slight lean forward from the hips.
- Keep ground contact short and push off explosively.
- The manual suggests teaching it as a landing on two feet, while noting that one foot nearly always lands first. The foot that lands first points to where you go next: left foot first, move to the right; right foot first, move to the left; front foot first, move backwards; back foot first, move forwards.
- No single landing lets you move equally well in every direction. With experience you learn to land so as to cover the most likely replies.
Three drills
- On the spot, with a partner leading. March on the spot, then split-step when your partner calls or moves. Try feet side by side, then one foot forward, then the other.
- Reacting to a tapped shuttle. A partner holds a racket and shuttle in front of you and taps it forward or to a side. You split-step each time; the manual pairs a tap to one side with the matching foot forward.
- Catch. Your partner tosses a shuttle underarm to one side. You split-step, push off and catch it with both hands in front of your body. Catching two-handed encourages you to drive with your legs instead of leaning.
Mistakes to avoid
- Jumping high. The aim is a shallow jump with a short contact with the floor.
- Starting the jump only after the opponent has hit: the manual places the jump just before the hit, so that the landing comes with or after it.
- Leaning your body outside your base. Stay balanced between your feet.
- Practising only to one side. Work both feet leading.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.