New wave backhand preparation?

[JohnThomas1]

Recently i have noticed a couple of one handers that have a different preparation from the norm. Instead of turning the shoulders and having the racquet behind them, they hang it well out in front of their bodies for ages then go back from there in a continuous loop. They really keep their upper arm well away from the chest. This seems to keep their swing more compact. Two perfect examples are Paridorn and Haas.

Any idea's on this?

[Bungalo Bill]

Well lets take a look: I can bring up Haas, if anyone has Paridorn that would be great.


SIde view of Haas: http://www.uspta.com/html/e-lesson-Backhand%20side%20view.swf

Back view of Haas: http://www.uspta.com/html/e-lesson-Backhand%20back%20view.swf

Shoulder turn looks in tact for me. Is this what your seeing?

[Montana Realty]

Bungalo,

Is there a particular rule on where your front foot shoot be pointing on the one hander? Does the front foot postion change when going cross court or down the line?

[Bungalo Bill]

Bungalo,

Is there a particular rule on where your front foot shoot be pointing on the one hander? Does the front foot postion change when going cross court or down the line?

In general you want to step out towards the net post (45 degree angle). It helps you gain forward momentum and get more body wieght into the ball. If your heading sideways, you want to step out with your foot angling back into the court so you stop the sideways momentum.

[Montana Realty]

If your heading sideways, you want to step out with your foot angling back into the court so you stop the sideways momentum

Not sure I understand this part?

[hofertennis]

I am not sure about that one? The right leg for one handed-right handers should step forward at a 45 degree angle, a closed stance. NO you do not want to step the direction you want to hit the ball, then everyone even the spectators will know where you going to hit the ball.

[JohnThomas1]

I think he means that if you are running sideways as you hit point your foot back toward the court (As opposed to pointing it in the direction you are travelling, the side fence) in an attempt to stop you keeping on going sideways thru the shot.

What i mean BB is that in their preparation they are holding the racquet a long way from their chest as they stalk the ball. In the past players have had it more behind them i thought.

[JohnThomas1]

The second frame of your link is the one BB. See how Haas keeps the racquet well in front of his chest during the swing.

[hofertennis]

JT, I can't imagine pointing my front foot towards the net if I am hitting on the run laterally. That would HURT reaaaalll BAD!

[Bungalo Bill]

JT, I can't imagine pointing my front foot towards the net if I am hitting on the run laterally. That would HURT reaaaalll BAD!

Hofer,

I am the one that made the thread. I also think your taking it out of context. You're visualizing something that has nothing to do with what is meant by the information. John Thomas got it right and I am surprised that you dont get it.

When a player has his momentum going sideways to get a ball at some point the momentum needs to go into an angling ball. This is the time the front foot angles back in towards the net or court or post (to keep it simple for you) to force some of the momentum into the ball.

This is very basic footwork. With the foot angling back in, the hips can get into the shot and they are not closed off. Is this hard to understand?

[AndyC]

no it's actually very straightforward and logical and was one of the things my coach impressed on me when I was learning the game as a teen. however the number of people that are confused merely serves to illustrate how important a coach who understands the fundamentals and who can teach them is.

I have to admit even today my footwork can get very sloppy :D.

[hofertennis]

Bill,
I hit my backhand with this same arms out loop backswing with one hand. I DO angle my toe towards the net but only when my momentum is minimal and I can transfer my weight forward. I was trying to picture hitting this shot with significant lateral movement with little or no forward weight transfer, in which case it would be very difficult to angle the toe.