Tennis: Side Steps And Cross Steps

Step 1: The side step

The side step is when you are face on to the net and move sideways across the court.

Step 2: The cross step

The cross step is when you are moving forwards towards the ball to get your weight onto the front foot.

Step 3: The rally

In a rally, use cross steps to run to the ball. After your shot, use side steps to recover your court position and stand by ready for your next shot. As your opponent hits, split step to prepare you to move to the ball.

Step 4: The service return

The service return combines the two steps. Your first step towards the ball is a side step, and you follow this with a cross step to keep your balance after the shot. Watch our video "the service return" to find out more.

Step 5: The volley

As you move to the net following your approach shot, side step gently to prepare yourself to cover any ball out of your immediate reach. Playing the volley, take cross steps to get to the ball.

Step 6: Warming up

You can use side and cross steps as a quick and easy way to warm up before a match or training session. Starting at the middle of the baseline, make fast cross steps to the side, then side step back to your starting position and repeat going the other way. Next try different angles: side step to the side and back again, cross step diagonally forwards to the edge of the court and back again and repeat both movements on the opposite side. Repeat these movements as many times as you want, but to warm up well do each exercise at least ten times.