Check out the example on our Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2PL4i-tO76/
Split stepping is a small jump taken to get you on your toes and ready to move, loading up your legs and increasing your speed around the court by using plyometric principles.
It is not a big movement and often the toe of your shoe will remain in contact with the ground.
It is performed in a wide-open stance to increase your stability which allows you to accelerate quickly.
In the example video you can see that Alex is a master at the timing of his split jump.
Starting as his opponent strikes and landing just after contact, precisely when he can visually perceive where the shot is going.
This leaves no downtime and he’s straight into his unit turn and first step in the direction of play.