Pickleball footwork and the split step, with drills
The split step, the ready position and moving well in pickleball, with three footwork drills you can do alone or with a partner.
For players rated 2.5+
When to use it
Most missed shots start with the feet. Good footwork gets you balanced and set before you hit, so a simple shot stays simple.
The split step is a small hop to land on both feet, balanced, just as your opponent hits. From there you can move any way. Use it every time the other side makes contact, especially when moving forward to the net.
1.Shadow split steps
Solo2.5–3.0Builds the split-step habit and a low ready position.
- Start at the baseline. Walk forward three steps and split-step.
- Land on the balls of both feet, knees bent, paddle up.
- Repeat to the kitchen line, then shuffle side to side four times.
Reps: 10 trips, baseline to kitchen
2.Kitchen line shuffle
Solo2.5–3.0Trains side-to-side movement along the kitchen line without crossing your feet.
- Stand at the kitchen line in your ready position.
- Shuffle sideways to the sideline, touch it with your paddle, and shuffle back to the centerline.
- Stay low and keep the paddle up the whole time.
Reps: 5 rounds of 30 seconds, 30 seconds rest
3.Move and split
With a partner3.5Trains stopping on time when you move in from the baseline.
- Start at the baseline; your partner is at the kitchen line with a basket of balls.
- Move forward; every time your partner hits, split-step and play the ball.
- Your partner varies the feed: at your feet, wide, or high.
Reps: 10 rounds, then switch
Watch it
Common mistakes
- Running through your shot. Split-step and hit from balance.
- Splitting too late, after the ball is already coming.
- Crossing your feet when moving sideways at the net.
- Standing tall. Knees bent and weight forward.
What to work on at your level
| 2.5–3.0 | Move forward after your shot and stop before you hit. |
|---|---|
| 3.5 | Split-step on every opponent's contact and shuffle at the net. |
| 4.0+ | Move with your partner as a unit and recover to position after every shot. |
Paddles that help
Good footwork shows most in doubles, where an all-round, stable paddle keeps shots solid when you're stretched.
Best Pickleball Paddles for DoublesCommon questions
- What is a split step?
- A small hop that lands you on both feet, balanced and ready, at the moment your opponent hits the ball.
- When do I split-step?
- Every time the other side makes contact, wherever you are on the court.
- Why do I keep hitting into the net when I move?
- Usually because you're hitting while still moving forward. Stop, split, then hit.
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