Drop Shot Footwork Failing You? Here's What You're Doing Wrong I Ryan Reidy

Drop Shot Footwork Failing You? Here's What You're Doing Wrong I Ryan Reidy

Author: Mike Rogers - Founder of Senior Tennis Unpacked August 4, 2026 Duration: 29:11

👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081

 

Most senior tennis players think their drop shot problem is a speed problem. It's not — it's a footwork problem, and it's wrong 90% of the time. In this episode of Insider's Playbook, tennis footwork and video analysis coach Ryan Reidy breaks down the three footwork mistakes that quietly wreck matches for players over 50: mistimed steps at the net on volleys, guessing instead of counting your split step, and the one footwork rule almost nobody follows when chasing down a drop shot.

 

Ryan explains why stepping with the "correct" foot on a volley can actually stop your momentum instead of helping it, how to fix your split-step timing even if you're playing through a knee or hip replacement, and the simple drill you can do at home to train your feet to land correctly on every drop shot you chase down.

 

Ryan Reidy has been teaching tennis for nearly three decades and has built an audience of close to 300,000 followers across social media. He specializes in remote video analysis, working over Zoom with adult players around the world to improve footwork, stroke mechanics, and tactical awareness using their own match footage.

 

Whether you're a 3.5 player struggling to hold the net, coming back from an injury, or just tired of feeling off-balance on drop shots and volleys, this episode gives you specific, actionable fixes you can take straight to the court.

 

5 Key Takeaways:

  • On volleys, step with the correct foot after contact, not before — stepping too early stops your momentum and forces an arm swing instead of body movement through the ball.
  • Split-stepping isn't required every time. If timing it is difficult, just slow down or stop as your opponent makes contact — that alone lets you change direction on balance.
  • If you struggle to time your split step, count your steps instead. On an approach shot, three steps after contact is a reliable trigger point for most players.
  • When chasing a drop shot, your last step must land on the same foot as the side you're hitting — get this wrong and you'll feel off-balance even when you reach the ball in time.
  • Balance, not speed, is the real foundation of net play and court coverage after 50 — footwork organization is what lets you generate power and control under pressure.

 

Contact Ryan Reidy: ryan@2minutetennis.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2MinuteTennis

Website: 2minutetennis.net

#TennisOver50 #SeniorTennis #TennisFootwork #TennisTips #TennisCoaching

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Coming Up & Show Intro
02:03 – Volley Footwork: Step After Contact, Not Before
08:19 – Split-Step Timing: Slow Down to Speed Up
12:27 – The 3-Step Counting Trick
19:00 – Drop Shot Footwork: The Last-Step Rule
23:49 – The At-Home Drill to Fix It
28:01 – Show Wrap-Up


For competitive tennis players over fifty, the game evolves. The desire to win remains sharp, but the path to victory requires a different map. Insider's Playbook: Smart Strategies for Competitive Senior Tennis Players Over 50 is that essential guide. Hosted by Mike Rogers, a seasoned senior tournament competitor and the founder of Senior Tennis Unpacked, this podcast digs into the nuanced realities of competing later in life. You won't find generic tips here. Instead, each conversation is a deep dive into the specific strategic adjustments, physical maintenance, and mental conditioning that give seasoned players a tangible edge. Mike brings on elite coaches who understand the senior athlete, national champions who are still dominating their age brackets, and performance experts focused on longevity. They unpack real, actionable strategies for everything from point construction and recovery to managing pressure during a tight third-set tiebreak. This is for players who analyze their matches, who know their strengths, and who are looking for that next piece of the puzzle to outsmart and outlast their opponents. Tune in to hear candid discussions that feel like a locker room talk with the most knowledgeable players and minds in senior tennis, all dedicated to helping you compete longer, smarter, and with more success.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Insider's Playbook:  Smart Strategies for Competitive Senior Tennis Players Over 50
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