Groundstroke Stance

[Tennis4EVA]

Which stance is better: and open or closed

[Scheiner]

I prefer open for forehand, closed for 1hBH.

[hampshire6]

same for me unless i am really sprinting and diving for the ball

[Marius_Hancu]

try a search at:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?
keyword: stance
Search in titles only
you'll find several interesting threads.

[SocalTennis]

If your playing level is under 4.5, then you should use close stance to achieve optimum power because it will allows shoulder and hip rotation. It's best to integrate your close stance with your open stance for a semi-open stance and you can benefit from the best of both world. For your backhand, close stance should definitely be employ at all time especially that inside out backhand. IMO

[Tennis4EVA]

Well, which stance provides the most power?

[SocalTennis]

Well, which stance provides the most power?

Closed stance

[papa]

If your playing level is under 4.5, then you should use close stance to achieve optimum power because it will allows shoulder and hip rotation. It's best to integrate your close stance with your open stance for a semi-open stance and you can benefit from the best of both world. For your backhand, close stance should definitely be employ at all time especially that inside out backhand. IMO


Well, I don't agree with the first part of this. First of all, a 4.5 player should already not only feel comfortable hitting from either stance but should be able to consistently hit the ball basically anywhere. In my opinion, one doesn't get to the 4.5 level and then deceide to start doing things differently.

Secondly, even beginers should start hitting from the open stance and by keeping there non hitting hand on the racquet during the backswing, they will get the shoulders, hips and legs into the shot. The open stance has many advantages especially to the novice type player.

Using a closed stance for the backhand is not an all or nothing idea either.

[Geezer Guy]

For me:

FOREHAND: If you get pulled wide, use the open stance. When you get a ball you can get to, use the closed stance and drive that sucker!

BACKHAND: Mine is one-handed, and I always use a closed stance.

[kevhen]

I use square for control shots on slower incoming balls and open stance for quicker incoming balls on the backhand side, seldom totally close it off (back to opponent).

On the forehand side is square when slicing and approaches but open on topspin rips but usually square on topspin rallies.

Just use whatever you feel comfortable and are consistent with. Work on footwork to get yourself in the stance you prefer with plenty of time to still prepare for the shot.

[cliff]

the stance is dependent on the grip and the position of the body in relation to the ball. With professionals the more western the grip the more open the stance. In the days of Fred Perry the fh grips were more classical/continental and the stances were more closed. Because grass courts (low bouncing) are almost a thing of the past, players more often play on higher bouncing courts which tend to develop more western (semi western) grips, this means that most players (pros) now a days play with more open stances. These stances also alow for quicker recovery from wide balls, another positive in todays fast paced tennis world.
Remember the stance should match the grip and the type of shot you are playing!