Footwork is the foundation upon which every other aspect of tennis is constructed. The best stroke mechanics, the smartest tactics, and the most effective strategies mean little if a player cannot consistently position themselves to make good contact with the ball. Footwork is necessary for success on the court, yet it is often overlooked and underappreciated by players seeking to improve their overall performance.
The Art of Tennis Movement: Mastering Footwork for Every Player by Emil Vassilev is a vital resource for any tennis player serious about improving their performance. It delivers a detailed and methodical approach to footwork, starting with the fundamentals and moving on to more advanced techniques tailored to the sport’s functional movements. The book’s structure is well thought out and provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing mastery. Additionally, it is easy to locate specific topics for fine-tuning and diagnosing specific focus areas.
Vassilev is a well-established coach in Northern Virginia with a playing history that includes collegiate division 1 tennis, followed by a brief stint as a professional. He is a well-established coach who has continued his education in the sport and collected the coaching credentials that lend credibility to his competence. However, his most impressive endorsement for this book is from Dr. Mark Kovacs, the past Director of Sport Science at the USTA, who has a history of applying rigorous evidence-based training and performance to the sport. An endorsement from Kovacs is a positive sign that the resource meets high standards in athletic training and development.
This book is far from just a technical manual on how to build better footwork. It also includes information and inspiration intended to motivate a player to actively pursue improvement in this vital part of the sport. Vassilev also throws in a little history of how playing patterns evolved over time and impacted the underlying footwork necessary to compete at the highest levels.
The Art of Tennis Movement is relatively short but comprehensive. It addresses footwork strategies for different playing styles and includes a wide array of drills and exercises designed to hone them. The tactical movement sections are particularly insightful, helping players adapt their footwork depending on whether they’re in offensive or defensive situations. It delivers a nuanced understanding of positioning based on varied realistic match scenarios.
The book includes links to video demonstrations through QR codes. A picture is worth a thousand words, and these visual resources allow players to see each movement in action. That makes it easy to replicate the movements when practicing. This hybrid approach of text and video allows for a dynamic learning experience that is especially helpful for visual learners. Vassilev’s attention to detail in the book carries over into the video resources. In combination, the book and video deliver an effective toolkit for footwork mastery.
The Art of Tennis Movement: Mastering Footwork for Every Player (<- Sponsored Link)
Vassilev’s work emphasizes that mastery in tennis is a long journey and that refining footwork is no different. He doesn’t promise overnight success but rather encourages readers to commit to a steady and intentional improvement process. Players can build a strong foundation to support every other aspect of their game by focusing on footwork. For those committed to advancing in tennis, The Art of Tennis Movement: Mastering Footwork for Every Player is an invaluable resource that brings depth, structure, and inspiration to the process of movement training.
Fiend At Court participates in the Amazon associates program and receives a paid commission on any purchases made via the links in this article. Details on the disposition of proceeds are available on the “About Fiend at Court” page.
