Bending the Knees

[Thrasher]

Hey guys, I have a question for anyone who can share some insight. This may sound dumb, but just how important is bending the knees? I hear this all the time, but no one seems to give the explanation as to why bending the knees are important. It even seems that most of the pros, are barely bending their knees at all when they strike the ball. Does it help your consistency? If it does I would like to know, as I am having trouble keeping my forehand in.

[shindemac]

It's been said before. I'm sure I explained it at least once within the last month, and more if you look further back.

[mdhubert]

Very good question, as the answer is not obvious.
People overlook this coz' they focus more on the swing. Then they have sometimes backache because they bend at the waste (mid-court shots for example).
Bending the knees helps you to lower your center of gravity, thus be more balanced, move faster, increase explosiveness, use your hips better and rotate more efficiently and use your big leg muscles (quads, gluteus hamstrings and adductors) .

[Thrasher]

Thanks Md for your response. Sounds like it does have positive benefits.

[Mountain Ghost]

On high balls there may not be much of a need to get down, but a good portion of the game of tennis is at waist level (or below), which may require some elevation adjustment.

There are two ways for the body to get “down” . . . bending at the waist and bending at the knees. During most strokes, you should do your best to NOT bend at the waist. If you bend at the knees, in addition to increased power possibilities, it will also help to keep your shoulders away from the line of the approaching ball, allow for improved balance and promote better low-to-high stroke mechanics.

Practice keeping your shoulders up and over your hips on every ball . . . while using footwork to do all of your side-side-forward-back positioning and bending at the knees to do all of your elevation adjustments. This will teach you to keep your upper body vertical and will enable you to develop better stroke technique.

MG

[TonyB]

It's not the BENDING of the knees that is important. What is important is to USE YOUR LEG STRENGTH when striking the ball. Of course, to be able to use your legs for power, you need to bend your knees first.

Bending the knees also allows you to finely position your body to line up the ball in your strike zone.

[tricky]

Practice keeping your shoulders up and over your hips on every ball . . . while using footwork to do all of your side-side-forward-back positioning and bending at the knees to do all of your elevation adjustments. This will teach you to keep your upper body vertical and will enable you to develop better stroke technique.

What Mountain very well said.

[Bagumbawalla]

Perform a simple experiment.

Bend your knees and get in position, as you would to stroke powerfully through the ball. Shift your weight from back to forward and watch how your knees sort of "ratchet" in unison to transfer momentum/force to the moment of impact.

Now keep your legs/knees straight and stiff and make the same stroke. I think you will notice the difference.

Good luck,

B

[Frank Silbermann]

Perform a simple experiment.

Bend your knees and get in position, as you would to stroke powerfully through the ball. Shift your weight from back to forward and watch how your knees sort of "ratchet" in unison to transfer momentum/force to the moment of impact.

Now keep your legs/knees straight and stiff and make the same stroke. I think you will notice the difference. B In other words, the primary reason is for balance, stability, and flexibility -- regardless whether you have to deal with a low ball. Bending the knees broadens your base and lowers your center of gravity.

[shojun25]

i haven't read any other posts except the OP, but IMO, you bend your knees to get low balls and to keep your balance.

[vegitiger]

I have been able to show my friends how to have a bigger serve by asking them to throw a tennis ball as far as possible. Then use the same motion to serve. They all could serve harder right away. Certainly you cannot throw a ball as far without bending your knees.