Bending of the Knees

[redtennis55]

I have been trying to really improve my game this year so i have a chance at a varsity spot on the hs team next year. I have been trying to incorporate a knee bend into my shots but have had a lot of trouble, and i feel akward when doing this. Any tips to help me. Whenever i try to use a knee bend i concentrate too much on that and end up hitting the ball a little late.

[nickybol]

Try to stay low, and think forward. If you think forward, the knee bend will come naturally. Practise. Practise. And practise some more. Post a video, then it would be easier for us to give you some useful advice.

[kosmikgroove]

more than likely you need to work on muscular strength training + flexibility.

Try this excercise:
Stand straight up, feet together. Bend your right knee upwards (bottom of the foot towards your butt) and then bend your left knee as low as you can go. When you push back up try pushing from the ball of your left foot and maintaining the balance in a slow controlled motion. switch legs and repeat. do this about 6-8 times for 3 to 4 sets.

When that becomes to easy do the exact same thing except when you bend your left knee down, extend your right leg from it's position facing the butt, outwards in a straight line and extend your arms in front of you as well.

[papa]

Another thing is to always play about 3-4 inches shorter than you actually are but DO NOT bend at the waist - knees are like an elevator.