supposedly, the easiest way to return a high clear serve is to drop to the opposite front corner. the problem for me is that i tend to mess up on returning those kind of drop shots. i hesitate and try taking a step backwards instead of forward. does anyone know what i can do to stop this bad habit?
Practice just doing it, there's really no magical formula. You can try putting something behind you to prevent you from moving backwards if you want. Perhaps you can always mentally think of moving forward to make it easier to move forward. I just have an easier time getting clears than drops in my case...errs...former case. Now I can't get either...
I just read it and agree that I think you should follow it(my footwork training is mostly based on). My singles games are slowly starting to get easier. The funny thing is I am stronger going to the back 'around the head' corner than the rear forehand corner...
That might be because there's only one basic pattern for round-the-head footwork, but three different basic patterns for the forehand corner. It can be hard to know which pattern to choose!
also, you probably shouldn't play a cross court drop off a serve all the time. unless it's a good one, you're more than likely to end up cooking yourself. the opponent is in balance, and if it's a good high serve, has plenty of time to make life difficult for you.