After coaching hundreds of beginners, these are the footwork mistakes I see over and over:\n\n**1. No split step**\nThe split step is a small hop you do as your opponent hits the shuttle. It loads your legs and lets you move in any direction. Without it, you're always a step behind.\n\n**2. Crossing feet**\nNever cross your feet when moving to the shuttle. Use chassé steps (side-stepping). Crossing feet = tripping and slow recovery.\n\n**3. Starting from the wrong position**\nYour base position should be slightly left of centre, not dead centre. This covers your backhand (the weaker side for most players) more efficiently.\n\n**4. Flat feet**\nStay on the balls of your feet, not flat-footed. You can't explode to the shuttle if your heels are glued to the floor.\n\n**5. Not recovering to base**\nHit and recover. Hit and recover. Every. Single. Time. Don't admire your shot - get back to base immediately.\n\nThe fix for ALL of these? Shadow footwork drills. 6 corners, 15 minutes a day. No racket needed. Just movement patterns until they become muscle memory.\n\nHappy to share specific drill videos if anyone's interested!

Number 5 is SO true. I see it in doubles all the time - people hit the shuttle and just stand there watching it. Your feet should already be moving back to position before the shuttle crosses the net!

Guilty of literally all of these 😅 The split step one is the biggest game-changer for me so far. Started doing it two weeks ago and I can actually reach shots I never could before. Sarah, I'd love those drill videos if you have them!