The #1 FOOTWORK MISTAKE Stopping You From Leveling Up | Ft. Winston Du

Welcome, everyone to our new series “4.5 Now What?” series! We are very excited about it and we hope it helps all of you guys who feel stuck, who feel like they aren’t leveling up, become inspired to continue to work hard on the tennis court. And who better to train than Winston Du? Today we are focusing on his footwork. The main reason most players can’t level up is because of poor footwork so in this lesson we will help him become more efficient on court. LET’S GO
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ABOUT MY TENNIS HQ
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We reveal pro tennis tips that help amateur players quickly win more. Our how-to videos cover all essential parts of tennis: forehands, backhands, serves, volleys, singles strategy, doubles tactics, and more. Brought to you by Gui Hadlich and Karue Sell, passionate former D1 college and ATP professional players.

[@Joseph-tm5vv]

This series is going to go hard. Can’t wait to see the progression.

[@MarkSansait]

Not as hard as me when I see Winston without a shirt

[@javace79]

@@MarkSansait lol. Indian Wells a little more than two weeks away. You going to make it out to the desert this year?

[@theintentionalist]

Another pro tip gem, "Feel the split in your chest". Nobody is teaching this. That's why Karue's the GOAT. Ok I'm gonna go try this now

[@LiamApilado]

Winston is a great to see on KZbin because he is relatable to so many.

[@joelintl2226]

except for his socks (or lack of) :)

[@thugzclub4070]

And he is so down to earth..

[@Rodrigorodriguez20241]

@@joelintl2226horrid sock game

[@krushfield]

Winston's lack of split step is definitely something he needed to fix (right after his sock game, of course). Thanks for helping him out!

[@LunarEclipsism1]

This is a really great idea for a series and a really relatable focus for the first video. Maximize your stengths! A very easy thing to forget when you're already "pretty good" but trying to get better. When I got back into tennis recently after many years away, I was rusty but still winning regularly based on what have always been my strongest assests: my serve and my backhand drive. When I started filming and analyzing my tennis, I was so disappointed with the weaker parts of my game (sloppy net play and too many errors off the forehand wing) that I started devoting all my practices to improving those weaker areas. And I certainly improved those areas but I actually was losing more and more often! I'd been neglecting to tend to and shore up my strengths as well. You can't only focus on patching up holes in your game, you also have to build your confidence by giving yourself opportunities to do what you do well. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@MarkSansait]

Karue is a 4.0 ntrp at best

[@LunarEclipsism1]

@@MarkSansait lolol, Karue guest spot on Real Tennis when?

[@traviscyle]

@@MarkSansait you could definitely beat Karue at a Taco Bell eating contest! Stick to your strengths!

[@sach8906]

​@@MarkSansait How do you say? He is coaching pros on tour. How about you sir?

[@rdchen492]

Great and timely video for me. Serendipitously I came to realize I have exactly the same problem couple days ago. Your insight is we should treat split step and push off as ONE move, not a two distinct actions with a pause in between. This is the only KZbin channel talks about it. A great public service -- at least for the tennis community -- you're providing.

[@MikeSmith-yy1lv]

Feel like this is tailored just for me. I'm a 4.5 that was a 5.0 when younger and can't figure out how to get back. This is a perfect series. Super excited.

[@MarkSansait]

Have you tried pickleball?

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Here’s the problem. I am a private coach and the issue today is people tend to grant themselves ratings yet they never get off the baseline. They play and watch others who are 4.5 5.0 etc and they are not getting off the baseline. So there is no model out there to show them how to really play tennis. Those players from the 80’s and 90’s disappeared from the courts with the advent of these insane rackets and strings. The new technology actually destroyed real tennis. I would not give anyone a rating if they stay on the baseline. The 2hbh is another crux that keeps them on the baseline as you can’t use a 2hbh mid court and at the net. So the baseline play and 2hbh go hand in hand. But if they don’t master the net volley. S/V. Mid court volley. Drop shot. Then they are not even a 4.0. I would keep everyone at a 3.5 level until they learn those skills. Sorry but You cannot grant yourself a rating that high if you are single dimensional. The other issue is a large issue. There are no coaches and trainers out there today that are teaching those skills to 12,14,16 year olds. So they don’t have a basis. You tube channel owners are 95% those players who started on the local courts, they were never exposed to professional coaching. But the coaches have eliminated these important skills anyway so tennis is stuck in the corner IMO.

[@colinbyer3018]

@@TimTheMusicMan I agree it’s really sad that people don’t utilize I myself am a net rusher and love slices and volleys but the thing is that style really has died more people stay on the baseline than go to the net in singles, and you can get away without the best volleys and still be 4.5 easily. Ratings are based on who you can beat, not how you beat the player. I’m a net rusher myself I can’t just be like oh I should be a 5.0 cuz I go to the net and ground strokes don’t even matter

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@colinbyer3018 well thank goodness someone is coming to the net. I hope this means S/V too. I heard that Ben Shelton is working on a s/v game.

[@johnbaker3761]

@@MarkSansait lmao

[@Silverhands]

Take me from to 3.5 to 5.5! We can do this! I’m in L.A. as well.

[@wildanekaputra912]

I also just realized this recently, being stuck after the split step is due to the intentional act / thinking of the split step. Split step is the natural result of being alert on court waiting for the next ball from the opponent. Be alert and be on your toes (literally) and when you're sure where to move, the split step will come up as one of the mechanism to get to/prepare to hit the next ball.

[@formulaicsounds]

Yea I've always thought Winston just isn't a gamer. Out there trying to hit a decent ball but there's no spice to him

[@ayokay123]

Yes, the crux of the matter is that Winston plays flat-footed....ie...on his heels instead of toes.

[@ayokay123]

@@formulaicsounds It's because he runs and plays flat-footed instead of being on his toes. A very difficult habit to change.

[@blbartlett2]

So, so helpful. I've noticed that "stuckness" in Winston's videos before... and it caused me to realize that I do the exact same thing! This provides some really helpful cues and solutions. Great work to both of you!

[@KaruesellHQ]

Thank you! Gotta stay light on your feet

[@germanslice]

@@KaruesellHQ I perform the split step as soon as the other guy strikes the ball before the ball has even crossed back over the net or even bounced on my side of the court. Reason why I do it all early before the ball has crossed the net is because I need time to load the racquet for each ball..

[@youngnamhoso]

This is an amazing serious for recreational players like us. Super excited for the upcoming vids. Nice work team MTHQ !

[@KaruesellHQ]

thank you! More to come

[@Sweeney-Kubach]

I have had two hip replacements, a plate in my left shoulder and I need back surgery. I just started playing tennis again after a 25 year hiatus, and with in a month I have been playing really good tennis, my biggest problem is movement, so I started jumping rope, running the tennis lines, and working on moving forward and backwards. I still play with my Wilson Profile 95 med frame, and I find that the racquet is still holding up well over the years, I just string my racquets at 38, 40, 42. I used to string my racquets into the high 60s, and I find that the strings definitely make a huge difference on my strokes. Great job on the video coach. I will try these drills my friend.

[@traviscyle]

Excited for this! Been following you both for awhile. Saw you last week in Giron’s box at the Dallas Open and could see him doing a lot of the things you coach on your channel. I’m always looking to level up and think this series should help!

[@nicogoebel4071]

Great idea for a series. Love it already. Split-step-efficiency is also a big problem for me 👍🏻

[@ricardolosoya9810]

Best mashup ever!! Also, great work TennisHQ (Karue) and Marcus!!

[@MyCvid]

A). This is going to be a great series and a great addition to the channel. It will be helpful to the large number of 4.0 through high 4.5 players out there. But don’t forget help for doubles play! It should also drive your subscriber numbers. B). I’ve watch some of Winston’s matches. You are correct in trying to get him to adjust the timing of the split step. He usually split steps a bit early and then lowers his heels and becomes flat-footed.

[@mskcrc]

"split-steps a bit early" I know that feel

[@pomagranade]

Great content! Love to hear about these "nuances" which are actually on par with very core fundamentals of the game in terms of importance. Thanks Karue, Winston.

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

I have two hip replacements and I have using your videos to get back into shape, and I just wanted to thank you for your great teaching my friend. Winston is playing so much better since he made this video with you.

[@guest16163]

Hey dude du, you're lucky. Got a great coach there. You're going to be 5.0 in no time.

[@-Munditimum-]

Really looking forward to seeing more of this K. Winston is doing better right away. Great series! Cheers! M

[@paulbenbow9301]

Great idea for a series Karue! I've seen Winston play before and knew exactly what you meant about him looking heavy, but it didn't occur to me why. Split step timing seems a relatively easy fix for him, instantly making him look a better player.

[@architennis]

Great idea for a series, great (and simple) tips for footwork. Can't wait for the next installment!

[@cracacola]

Wow how lucky are you and we to get this amazing teachings!! I would bet a HUGE % of us from 3.5 to 4.5 have this exact need in our game! I know I go from feeling well timed on my split to having no rhythm at all. The point about not splitting to deep into your thighs is also a GRREAT point. Thank you Karen and Winston for doing this.

[@meinsouza]

THANK YOU, his short socks drive me insane

[@DavidNelsonATX]

Best lesson ever - Day 1 at tennis camp (1973): “leave your gear in the cabin, today we’re going to learn how to move.” 1. If you can’t get to the ball you’re going to lose the point. 2. If you can’t get to the ball in a consistent hitting position your chances of winning the point are greatly diminished. Footwork is key.

[@Simon.Freund]

Boom, love this video!! Always so many good tips from coach Sell!!

[@KaruesellHQ]

Thank you, Simon! We shall battle soon

[@architennis]

@@KaruesellHQ Put in on YT, please!

[@livelove6797]

i think the easiest cue for the split step timing is just to feel like every time your opponent makes contact with the ball, during that split-second interval, you're floating in the air. personally, that helped me time it perfectly. if you watch the pros and pause on the frames where they are making contact, their opponent will always be off the ground

[@nikchow4791]

Great video Karue again. I looked at some recent videos I had of myself and I definitely have that slight delay of decision making when I rally instead of moving towards the ball. Also it was great meeting you and Marcos at the Dallas Open when I drove y’all from the mall 😅.

[@ASPIRINGATHLETE]

That’s nice of you

[@ChrisBrophy-s5e]

For one just saw Winston with higher level socks- looks much better. I wish there could be more one-handed backhand instruction on the channel. Congrats on the 17 match win streak

[@ronaldt7947]

Glad you two are working together. Looking forward to next lesson.

[@sergiosimbula]

😂😂😂😂 At 4:00 I was the "this Winston guy needs a pair of long socks." At 4:05 you handed them to him 🤣🙌🏻👍🏼

[@jingotrades]

Sick collab! Great idea for a series lads.

[@godsgamer7494]

lmao Winston having the time of his life rallying in the back when you were giving the intro lol

[@btpchmb]

This is such a great video, so useful for my game too. I noticed with Winston he’s often on his heels, which leads to a flatness with his footwork. Definitely being lighter and more on his toes would help 😊

[@ayoitstony]

4.5 now what could not have come at a better time for me, thanks sir.

[@marktace1]

Small sample, but the guys I’ve seen go from 4.5 to 5.0 were top notch athletes who just started playing more tennis. One was a former World Cup soccer player in his mid to late 40s and the other was a former D1 pitcher in his late 20s.

[@stackems666]

At 09:26, Karue’s explanation was really helpful

[@Esprits4s]

Looking forward to this series!!!

[@EdmonBegoli]

Thanks for this video. I hope you can make one for 3.5 to 4.0 progression because that is where most of us recreational players are stuck.

[@KaruesellHQ]

everything here can be applied to players at every level. Split step should be the first thing players master

[@facundosoria8387]

I'm from Argentina. Your videos helped me a lot, even when playing here in clay, makes me retract more than on the hardcourts. Thank you!!!

[@keanemarbaniang7641]

Winston hitting beautiful fluid ground strokes and footwork

[@johnbaker3761]

Love to see where this goes👊

[@af02271]

So hyped for this series!

[@ptrckkear1]

movement is a key fundamental to become a better player.

[@gms9073]

I'm new to tennis. I didn't realize there was a mandatory sock rule. You learn something new every day .

[@adamerkmen6403]

Beautifully explained! Nice and simple & useful. cheers M8.

[@ogwally739]

This is a very helpful video. I love the socks. Especially when Karue is hitting and you can still see them in his pocket.

[@alexarmstrong578]

One thing that could help with Winston’s split step is to have his hitting partner call out “split” just before making contact with the ball. That will ingrain the timing of the split. We do this with our 10-12 year olds to reinforce/teach the split step. Repetition, repetition, repetition.

[@rajvishy007]

Great series Karue. Your the dream coach..love your game man. Phew insane how to belt balls effortlessly. You have so many weapons in your game compare to some top 100 guys.

[@jaysontang]

great idea on the series, love it, keep it coming!

[@gxyxy1012]

Saw this and made my day!

[@henzillac1224]

OMG ITS WINSTON, I LOVE HIS VIDEOS

[@wiggi9339]

Excellent. Split timing ignored by so many coaches and altogether unknown to many players.

[@tenniswithandy]

Great instruction Karue. I like how you chose footwork as the first topic to cover. The default mentality is to leap towards a stroke - backhand, serve, etc. The footwork piece is often ignored. One of my favorite players to watch is Belinda Bencic - I think a lot of club players would benefit more from watching her move to the ball than by trying to copy Federer's strokes. 🙂

[@bpxl53yewz29]

Hey I’ve seen Winston’s videos before. He’s got a great attitude

[@justinhollingsworth120]

the socks 💀😆

[@Jon88]

I love your footwork vids. It’s definitely my biggest piece to work on. But I’ve been improving my timing of my split as well. It sets up the whole shot! So important.

[@JJVee427]

love this series as a 4.0~4.5. thank you!

[@AFMoraes93]

Great lessons! Gonna try to improve on next session

[@josephhodge7114]

Love this!

[@jiamonx2]

subscribed, great coaching looking forward to elevating my game

[@keithbyrne2951]

This is great lads. Thanks for the content. Inspiring stuff! 💪👍

[@KaruesellHQ]

Our pleasure!

[@naishkiteboarder]

My biggest improvement came after playing squash. Because you have less time to react it makes all the difference to properly anticipate the ball and perferctly time the splitstep. I felt like I was super light on my feet and quick on the court when i played tennis after. Go play some squash!

[@KaruesellHQ]

I love that. Multi sport training is the best training!

[@timvansamang]

This is great!!!

[@topspin1715]

I started making a significant effort to practice with staying more on my toes and split stepping with each incoming ball. I am unfortunetly not in great shape and having to stop to recover but I think it will push me to get to the next level. Good luck Winston, you can do it.

[@KaruesellHQ]

Keep it up!!

[@ThanhNguyen-br1rh]

Did you have a good foundation yet. Tecniques will be easier absorbed when your feet are strong, quick and tireless. In 2021 during those indoor time (covid), i practiced Plyometric by watching youtube videos like once or twice per week one hour each and the results were huge (given i also do weight trainning all the other days of the week)

[@dastanprobg2071]

@@ThanhNguyen-br1rh this is a good comment actually, sometimes you just can't do it because your body isn't in right form

[@topspin1715]

@@ThanhNguyen-br1rh any plyometric KZbin channels you recommend I try as a beginner?

[@ThanhNguyen-br1rh]

@@topspin1715 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6K7Z4Kidrt0b9U . Here you go! The session in the video is divided into 3 parts. I skip part 1 ‘cause i think it’s too easy. Instead, i switch it up with a final exercise after completing part 2 and 3 which is the most common in almost every other Plyometric videos. Vertical jump onto object. In my case, i happen to live very close to a concrete staircase intergrated with a higher ground by it’s side. I successfully increase my vertical jump by landing on that high ground from lower and lower stair steps. There were 2 times where i couldn’t reach and hit my shin and bleed profusely though lol. Oh, when applied to tennis, i believe i was the quickest player in town (zero professionals here. The semi-pros without proper physical training should be slower than i was at that point). I still remember clearly some insane movements i did on the tennis court that nobody could reproduce.

[@marcwente8943]

yess! really looking forward to this series. it's going to be awesome and I'm sure I'll learn a ton in the process!

[@alwaysprepared]

Yup, the timing of the split step is crucial! Good video!

[@VangYang9981]

Legit. I've noticed this low movement on his split step too and man. When u can pinpoint it like Karue did and implement it.. bro.. ur looking less stiff on ur movements!!! Smooth and fluid like. Hope u get 5.0 soon

[@sdfswords]

Karue is super good at showing why the basic moves are so important in tennis!

[@KaruesellHQ]

master the fundamentals

[@stefano78]

Great lesson and video. I’ve always thought that Winston, despite being a fit and athletic guy, looked heavy and a bit awkward on his feet. Hope this lesson gets him to the next level.

[@Athena-qi1ll]

Outstanding!

[@r_chen5898]

Winston is literally a right handed me lmao

[@daveskaff]

GREAT series idea. Really enjoying them so far and looking forward to more.

[@henrylove514]

This looks like an interesting series! Can't wait to see the next lesson!

[@omg_tennis_siblings]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@nukiolbartes6279]

i think the mindset that u mention is actively looking to go to the ball as early as possible, instead of passively waiting til the ball is coming.

[@mistercoli1506]

Brilliant series Karue !

[@markmontfort5866]

😆OMG, YES on the socks! Love ya Winston, and however you want to roll is fine by me -but tbh, the "no socks" look does drive me a little crazy! I'm a middlish 4.5 trying to shore up some things to level up.

[@zepintoferreira8431]

I really liked this video Karue and it highlighted something (which I think you never fully expressed) that you see a lot in sports training: There's a big difference between being gym-fit and sports-fit. Winston clearly has great body composition, but he struggles with the 'springiness' that makes for effective field movement. It could be a pattern recognition/ attitude issue (which you focused on) or actual tendon preparedness. Look at how much easier it was for you to simply bounce in place than for him. That to me says tendon preparedness should also be a focus for him. You see this difference in basketball a lot, for instance. Some guys don't look to be in that great a shape but they have incredible bounce; they look like they're on springs. Some athletes, often ones coming back from injury, neglect their extensive plyo training for lifting and come back with big muscles and stiff tendons. They usually injure something else right after starting play again. Maybe if Winston were to do 10 minutes of skipping rope or bouncing on his achilles before every practice session as a low-intensity plyo stimulus he could finding some extra spring.

[@zepintoferreira8431]

Extra comment to say that I'd love love love to see you collab with someone like Paul Fabritz: www.youtube.com/@pjfperformance

[@edwardwerley8831]

Luv the concept. Looking forward to this series!

[@williewasahippie]

Good tips. Great footwork in tennis has nothing to do with being fast. It's knowing how to move well and how to anticipate and put yourself in the best position to get the next ball. Great lateral movement in between shots is the key. Keeping the feet moving (don't be flat-footed) so you are not stuck was a good point. Look for when to pounce on the short balls. Don't rush once you get to the short ball. Slow down. Little steps to pause and balance. Now, to level up as far as strokes go, I'd say Winston's serve could use more work to be playing at the 5.0 or higher levels. A little more acceleration and snap in his motion...

[@grevinlew]

That was really helpful!

[@jdn8884]

I can see improvements already.

[@perryloh695]

The one area that doesn't need any leveling up is the man's calves. Gonna be a dope series!

[@ptrckkear1]

Excellent video.

[@vubot1]

This is fantastic instruction. That being said, I have tremendous difficulty with the timing and smoothness of moving like this. I tend to split and plant when attempting this technique. Though I'm still athletic, it may be because I'm old. Or, maybe I just need a lot more practice.

[@Shaun949]

This is a great idea for content. Keep it up both of you!

[@KaruesellHQ]

Thanks! Will do!

[@rafapazos06]

Very good one. I very much appreciate the content you guys do.

[@tonydaysog9164]

Thx !

[@catherineharper3330]

Love this collaboration and the series idea!!🎉

[@bbbby519]

I always feel Winston’s footwork, though very good already, are not that smooth but simply can’t explain why. Here you go: split and push!

[@nikol7951]

Excellent, thank you!

[@rogerfederer1622]

i love this series ❤

[@normanashbrooke3345]

This was a great lesson for Winston and everyone who watched it. Do you think Winston should play more tournaments? I know he plays plenty of practice matches, however his tentative UTR is between 5.5 and 7.5. Winston has played very few sanctioned tournaments since 2017 according to UTR. His progress might be accelerated if he played more sanctioned tournaments. Also, his UTR would be more specific and accurate if he played more tournaments.

[@KaruesellHQ]

Yes I think he should play more tournaments. Only way to improve is by competing when there's somewhat pressure on you

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

So awesome 🤘 Watch out Mark Sansait and Dillon Sykes 🤣

[@elpilot2065]

Excelente Karue. Tenho melhorado muito vendo seus vídeos. Continue com o bom trabalho irmão

[@waynetie7162]

This is your best video ever

[@najibmarianoazar4302]

I will be watching this series for sure. So accurate, thanks!

[@KaruesellHQ]

thank you!!

[@youngsuit]

im a man and i have no shame in saying that lately, my inspiration for a player that helps my game right now is swiatek. she's super intentional with her footwork and i think because it's so visible, it helps me take that proactive step needed to focus

[@KaruesellHQ]

Swiatek’s footwork is off the charts! It is a great model for everyone

[@Outerrythem]

The short socks have always bothered me. Great advice.