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The next few weeks present a great opportunity to view the U.S. Open warm up events on TV.

As you watch take note of a few behaviors common to all the world’s best. The split step is a common thread whether you are watching a clay court master from Spain or a hard court specialist from Croatia or the U.S.

Make an effort to watch the returner of serve react with that split step and a virtually simultaneous body turn even on serves that never clear the net.

Most club level players are standing flat footed and fail to react to an incoming serve anywhere near that quickly. As a matter of fact most club players, it has been my observation, are just beginning to initiate their shoulder turn and racket preparation as the serve is bouncing in the service box.

Watch the extensive follow-through every one of them employs except in the most desperate of situations.

If you happen to be watching the doubles, take note of how often the point ends with the ball being played aggressively down at the nearest opponent when a net player cuts off a shot at the net. Also note how often the ball is played down the center between the partners in virtually every situation.

The reason these player are on TV is because they are the best in the world at what they do. I’m not suggesting that you try to copy everything you see them do, but the fundamental behaviors of executing the split step, early preparation and smooth follow through are the corner stones of world class stroke production.

The players playing next to you at your club may be better than you are but in all likelihood have flaws in their swings that don’t warrant emulation.

Only copy the best if you want to be your best.

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Howie Burnett is a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association and tennis director at the Island Country Club on Marco Island. Burnett welcomes questions on strokes, tactics or etiquette. To reach him, call the tennis shop at 394-4464 or e-mail him at islandclubtennis@hotmail.com.