Using a Squared Stance vs Closed vs semi-open or Open

 I'd love to see a defined foot placement diagram for each term used such as open stance, squared stance closed stance, or crossover. To me, a squared stance is heels aligned perpendicular to the net with the front foot pointed forward at an approximate 45-degree angle. As a kid, this was also often described to me as closed. 

Open seems obvious enough. Your rear foot is parallel to the baseline on your last step off of either side when hitting either forehand or two handed backhand.  An open stance on a one handed backhand is not usually effective and I don't suggest it.  It would be an emergency shot and it limits reach.

Teaching volleys we used the term cross step or crossover.  This stance is usually only good for one handed backhands or forehands on the run.  Shouldn't that apply to a groundstrokes in the same fashion? 

 

 

Training Methods for strokes - Net Height and Spin

I have students target midway between the service line and baseline with moderate spin. The net clearance height becomes a function of the desired depth. I set guidelines of 3-6 feet above the net depending on the speed and spin. My only firm rule is to avoid net skimmers.

Changing Ball Direction - What it takes

 #1 Universal Rule of Tennis - The ball goes where the racket face is pointed at contact. The player is responsible for working out the details like getting there, positioning, and creating enough force to redirect the energy of the incoming ball. The proper form makes this easier to accomplish. The safe answer for returning a ball when under pressure is to send it back to the same place it originated. Changing the ball direction intentionally and accurately requires multiple skills.

Tsitsipas Forehand

Compact does work, especially on fast surfaces.  Notice that the backswing stays with his shoulder rotation.  This is biomechanically sound and a natural product of handling balls on fast surfaces.  He's stayed away from Academy strokes with big windmill flourishes found in many clay-court player strokes.

Forehand Video 

Another View

ATP Forehand

So what is the ATP Forehand?

Here is a good primer online that I came across. 

ATP Forehand

As the discussion of wrist lag indicates if you want reliability and precision then you might best consider what has been a standard take-back for a long time.  Rules about keeping the swing on the hitting side of the body are standard for all good and effective forehand strokes. 

Another concern is when you reach wrist-lock.  This is ideally between the forward part of the swing and the contact point.  In many cases and especially from older styles is remained firm from beginning of the backswing to the finish, (follow through).

Lendl Racket Style from the 80's - War Club on the Tennis Court

Kneissl White Star

This is the type of racket Lendl used to bludgeon his opponents from the baseline.

Kneissl Returns

If you're interested in getting one of these I just put mine up for auction on Ebay.  Starting price $39.50









Ivan Lendl Wiki

How to Avoid Over Analyzing While Playing

In response to a situation that comes up often among players still developing their technique they often keep analyzing their strokes while playing. I saw a question online today about this. Here is my suggestion for getting past this.

A reliable Fix:

I've seen many beginners successfully ignore overthinking by naturally being competitively intense. To have your mind occupied with technique while playing a match it means to me that a player needs to learn to focus. Heightened intensity is where your mind has no room for technical concerns.

At an intermediate playing level you need a weapon that won't break down. I'd pick one and work on it until it becomes highly capable of direction, depth, spin, and then speed. The forehand is usually the best stroke for this project. At that point you can implement strategy and forget worrying about form while playing. The other strokes will follow.

Do you need an example of intensity to emulate. Think Rafa Nadal