Explode to the net

To get to the net successfully you have to use footwork that’s different from what you use when shuffling side to side at the baseline. In the backcourt, your most explosive steps take place once you see where you opponent has hit the ball and where you need to run. But the tempo of your footwork coming in isn’t like that. Instead, try to slow down as you hit the approach shot and then explode with your first couple of steps after you strike the ball so that you can get as close in as you can.
But don’t just keep barreling toward the net.
After those first few strong strides, slow down, get balanced as you perform your split step, and then get ready to explode again in the direction of the oncoming ball.