Photo Lesson: The Basic Forehand Volley

A split-step is just a little jump in which, while you're in the air, your feet separate more widely, and you begin to turn toward the direction of the ball. In order for this turning to work properly, you have to time your split-step so that you'll see the ball coming off your opponent's racquet while you're in the air. That means you should start the split-step as your opponent starts to swing.