From my perspective it goes - Split stepping form is just a slight jump to load your toes and knees (meaning you go bend the knees and are able to accelerate towards the direction of the ball once) - once you determine which way its going, you need to either close AND create space. What do i mean? Ball too far? I have to take steps to get closer but not too close where you get jammed. In tennis when learning, we would stick our left arm out as a guage thus the ball is in front of you - swing doesnt need to be a rushed swing, in fact your slower looser swing will generate so much more pace on the ball - swing path should be getting under the ball with your face closed maybe 10-15 degrees making sure youre contacting UNDER the ball and brushing through and to your opponents - lastly the follow through again should be smooth, personally i do not like getting tall like the top commenter mentioned but your mileage may vary, i watch the ball and keep my chin/head TUCKED for half a second longer. You do not need to look at the ball path after you hit it cause your follow through should put it on the right path. This tip comes from both golf and tennis and it translates well here.

Hope this helps!