blakes FH stance

[dherring]

sorry if this is in the wrong section buti feel it pertains to this. I would like to know what stance James Blake uses for his run of the mill forehand. it is NOT an open, but it seems a little more open than square stance.

example: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.co...players&page=1
(click Blakes forehand)

Thanks all

[SystemicAnomaly]

You need to fix the link you provided.

[es-0]

Perhaps he wanted this link: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/pdmediabooks/players.asp

There is a link for Blake on that, and many other players for that matter. The footage usually isn't the best selection, but it's good besides.

[SFrazeur]

Like all players he hits from various degrees of most stances when and where he deems appropriate.

James Blake's Signature Shot: Forhand - http://youtube.com/watch?v=RXgPZdEjd9Q

-SF

[In D Zone]

sorry if this is in the wrong section buti feel it pertains to this. I would like to know what stance James Blake uses for his run of the mill forehand. it is NOT an open, but it seems a little more open than square stance.

example: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.co...players&page=1
(click Blakes forehand)

Thanks all

Its called Semi Open stance or the sit and lift fh.
Here is great vid that compares the close and the semi open stance.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2ho3FRWm9Pw

[dherring]

thanks, sorry bout the link, but would one step into the ball like that in a semi open?

[TheShaun]

Its called Semi Open stance or the sit and lift fh.
Here is great vid that compares the close and the semi open stance.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2ho3FRWm9Pw

that's a great video. thanks for that link!

[In D Zone]

thanks, sorry bout the link, but would one step into the ball like that in a semi open?

You can hit FH using an Open Stance, Semi Open or Both- as shown in the previous video on Blake. You'll see Blake hit his FH with both stances.

Open stance is great and easiler to play - it is effective on fast hard surface or when the ball is travelling fast towards you and you don't have time to prep.

Semi Open offers a greater power of the two because better footing and you are hitting with more leg and hip rotation - however, it does require perfect timing and skill.

For beginners I would suggest you start off with Open Stance - you'll be surprise to see the immediate impact on your game in terms of power and efficiency. OS is great for cross court rallys.
Then as you progress you can start working on the footwork to semi open.


Here's more info and a slow mo video. Notice the footwork.....


Semi-Open Stance

Set up position is with the right foot behind and outside the front left foot with the hips and shoulders rotated so that your opponent has a good view of the back of your left shoulder. Your feet should be approximately at a 45 degree angle to the net.

http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/instructionvideos/forehand/forehand.aspx?id=31280

Fully Open Stance

Set up position is similar to the semi-open stance; however both feet are in line with one another standing square on to the net. Hips and shoulders are rotated as in the semi-open set up position.

It needs to be said that in the case of the semi-open and open stances, the rotation of the body means that the momentum of the right hip will necessitate that the right foot will come off the ground and swing around the body in the direction you've hit the ball, ending up in front of the left foot (which also has a tendency to come off the ground as well). During the rotation, keep your shoulders level and make sure your head stays stable.

Open stance Video: AKA Rallying Forehand
http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/instructionvideos/forehand/forehand.aspx?id=31232