Masterclass: De Minaur’s End-Range Shot Tips

In the early stages of his career, Alex de Minaur has built a reputation as one of the fastest players on the ATP Tour. While this may be true, it is the Aussie’s ability to play end-range shots and quickly recover his position in the centre of the court that make him such a formidable opponent from the baseline.

In the latest Masterclass video hosted by ATP Tour stars, the three-time ATP Tour titlist explains the key elements of his baseline movement to help you improve your own game. When he is chasing a ball to his forehand side, De Minaur begins his process with the traditional split step.

“I start off with a nice, solid split step and then I cross over with my left foot to try to get into position, making sure I stay low,” said De Minaur. “I hit my ball and, as I recover, [I put my] front foot forward and then you are back into position.”

But while a split step will increase your chances of reaching balls in both corners of the court, the most crucial element in the process for De Minaur is recovering his position. By using his speed and explosive movement, the Aussie is able to swiftly return to the centre of the court and begin to turn rallies in his favour.

“That first step back is the most important, because that has got to be explosive,” said De Minaur. “You get back to the centre [of the court], you split step and you are ready for the next ball.”

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/38gB0Px