There are a few characteristics of the split step:
a. Timing
b. Width
c. Height
d. Ground Reaction Force (sinking into the loading position).

These characteristics are determined by:
a. Court positioning and,
b. Time (more time, higher split step, less time, lower split step).
The split is primarily used on Return of Serve and at the net, but can also used in the groundstroke game. The Pivot Step is used - this involves pivoting on the lead foot while turning the hips toward the ball and making the first step toward the ball with the opposite leg.

Early timing of the split step i.e. before opponent contacts the ball, can help create time to move into a high split step. The high split step helps us create a wide base and is able to help the player sink into the ground for increased ground reaction force to prepare for a greater acceleration.

A wide split step helps us balance by getting a lower center of gravity to the ground. This aids in the ground reaction force to the ball.

The transfer goes from the outside to the inside to provide a transfer of force for greater efficiency and acceleration to the ball.
This movement is primarily used from the baseline during groundstroke rallies.

The transfer goes from the outside to the inside to provide a transfer of force for greater efficiency and acceleration to the ball.

This movement is primarily used from the baseline during groundstroke rallies.

The jab step has been defined as stepping first with the lead foot in the direction of the oncoming ball.

Hip mobility can be developed before the adolescent stage of growth (11.5-13.5+ years old), This skill can help enhance athletic development by setting a foundation before a player goes through their Peak Height Velocity (the time when they grow the fastest during their adolescent growth). Taking advantage of this "window" of opportunity presents many major benefits in the players ability to move efficiently on the court.

The jab step has been defined as stepping first with the lead foot in the direction of the oncoming ball.

The player is performing the Split Step (landing on 2 legs), and opening the hip and leg in the direction of the ball he is receiving.

The pivot step involves pivoting on the lead foot while turning the hips toward the ball and making the first step toward the ball with the opposite leg.

Player performs a sink from the split step. The flexion provides a load and shin angle that allows the player to transfer weight from the outside leg to the inside leg for greater acceleration. Opening the hip and pointing the leg to the direction of the receiving ball creates efficient acceleration.

The pivot step involves pivoting on the lead foot while turning the hips toward the ball and making the first step toward the ball with the opposite leg.

Player performs a sink from the split step. The flexion provides a load and shin angle that allows the player to transfer weight from the outside leg to the inside leg for greater acceleration. Opening the hip and pointing the leg to the direction of the receiving ball creates efficient acceleration.

The player must have a strong foundation in their lower body to be able to withstand greater ground reaction forces. Landing effectively from HEEL to TOE for better balance during the hitting and contact phase of the stroke helps the player start the deceleration movement.

There are a few Deceleration patterns that a player must execute:
a. Serve
b. Transition (Forwards/Diago​nal)
c. Groundstrokes (Same load and landing leg) - Range 2 of Ranges of Movement
d. Groundstrokes (Load with 1-2 landing) - Range 3
e. Power Step - Range 4

In this clip the player performs Range 2 deceleration pattern, loading on the outside foot in open stance and landing on the same outside leg during the extension and finish phase of the stroke. In this case right leg load and right leg landing.

The Player is performing Range 3 Deceleration Pattern. The player is pushed into the corner with greater force and is able to get into the open stance load on the outside leg. Due to the force of the receiving ball the player performs a 1-2 landing deceleration pattern i.e. load left leg followed by the right-left landing to stay balanced and help in the recovery movement.

Player performs the Power Step - Range 4 deceleration pattern.

The player is pushed at even greater force into the corner and does not have time to load their outside leg. The player must perform the power step i.e. left leg steps across the body during hitting and contact phase of the stroke. Player decelerates landing on the left leg followed by the right leg.
In this case, the player shows great athleticism using a slide to prevent extra steps that may take the player further out of position in the court.

The cross-over recovery is used as the player needs to recover quicker over a bigger distance.

NOTE: The open hip movement helps unlock the player’s ability to perform the pivot step so that they can cross-over recover with more efficiency.

Player performs the cross-over recovery step along with side-shuffle to get recover quickly to prepare for the next ball.
This highlights the importance of practicing both the recovery movement (with the open hip) and the side shuffle movement.