IPTPA Footwork, Court Movement and Positioning Transitions — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When should a player ideally perform a split step during a rally?
- As the opponent makes contact with the ball (Correct answer)
- After the ball bounces on their own side
- Only after hitting their own shot
- Only while standing still at the baseline
Correct answer: As the opponent makes contact with the ball
A split step is a small hop timed to the opponent's contact. It loads the legs and lets the player react quickly in any direction once they see where the ball is going.
Question 2: Which ready-position cue is most commonly taught to students?
- Paddle down at the side with straight legs
- Weight on the heels with feet together
- Paddle up in front of the body, knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of the feet (Correct answer)
- Body square to the sideline with the paddle behind the hip
Correct answer: Paddle up in front of the body, knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of the feet
An athletic ready position keeps the paddle in front and the weight forward on the balls of the feet. The player can then move and volley quickly.
Question 3: What is the main footwork goal for a player moving through the transition zone after a third-shot drop?
- Sprint to the kitchen line without stopping
- Advance in stages and split step to be balanced when the opponent hits (Correct answer)
- Stay at the baseline until the opponent errs
- Walk slowly and turn the back to the net
Correct answer: Advance in stages and split step to be balanced when the opponent hits
Players should move forward in stages and be set with a split step as the opponent strikes. Running through the transition zone leaves them off balance and vulnerable to attacks at their feet.
Question 4: For short lateral movements, such as covering a wide dink, which footwork is generally recommended?
- Hopping on one foot
- Small side-shuffle steps that keep the feet from crossing (Correct answer)
- Backpedaling
- Large crossover steps in every case
Correct answer: Small side-shuffle steps that keep the feet from crossing
Short lateral moves are done best with small shuffle steps. These keep the player balanced and facing the net. Crossover steps are saved for longer distances.
Question 5: In doubles, how should partners generally move relative to each other?
- Independently, since each covers their own half
- One player stays back while the other covers the whole court
- Together as a unit, shifting laterally and forward or back in sync to avoid gaps (Correct answer)
- Always in a stacked formation
Correct answer: Together as a unit, shifting laterally and forward or back in sync to avoid gaps
Partners who move as a unit keep the court covered and avoid leaving gaps down the middle or open lanes. Moving in sync is a key positioning concept to teach.
Question 6: Why do instructors teach players to keep a wider-than-shoulder-width base with bent knees?
- It lowers the center of gravity for better balance and quicker push-off (Correct answer)
- It makes the player taller at the net
- It reduces the need to watch the ball
- It is required by the rules
Correct answer: It lowers the center of gravity for better balance and quicker push-off
A wide base with bent knees lowers the center of gravity. This improves balance and lets the player push off quickly in any direction.
