Fast Footwork when receiving

HI Alois,

Sorry i have been asking way too much questions lately and this one will probably be my last one for a while.

My coach told me my legs( footwork) was too slow during receiving. I generally could move in for a push, flick etc.  But when they serve a deep backspin or topspin to my forehand corner or elbow I hesitate.

For the forehand corner, I could reach there with my footwork but: I dont have enoguh time for weight transfer and a bigger swing- should i shorten the backswing and turn it into a drive rather than a loop or should I move back sideways so I have more time.

For my elbow, I tend to play backhand which is easy but morally wrong because it feels very awkward but i can't decide whether it is a elbow or wide backhand shot so i just play backhand anyways.

Should I step around even though my pivot might not be long enough or should i move in to play my backhand  but leave my backhand corner empty.

Sorry this question is VERYYYY long.

Thanks coaches!

Hi Mat,

You are right you can move back a little to give yourself more time for the wide forehand.  You can also use the time moving to also prepare for your backswing.

In the middle it is OK to use the backhand if you think it is the best shot.  Don't feel that it is wrong to play a backhand there.  You still need to make the move to get into the best position to play the shot either way.

You can pivot if you have time and you think that your forehand will give you a stronger shot.