Should I flex my abs?

[habib]

As I rotate my hips while hitting a groundstroke, should I be flexing my abdominals in order to bring everythnig around faster and with more 'oomph?'

[nickybol]

Well the main function of the abs is isometric extraction, for stabilisation. Extra flexing wouldn`t help much.

[Bungalo Bill]

As I rotate my hips while hitting a groundstroke, should I be flexing my abdominals in order to bring everythnig around faster and with more 'oomph?'

A slight use of the abs helps bring things around and helps you to relax in your shoulder rotation because the source of energy is being transferred to the shoulders and not the shoulders only generating the power.

The abs are part of the kinetic chain.

[habib]

The reason I'm asking, is that I've read a few posts here which mention that your abs should actually be tired after playing, because of the work they do on the strokes. My abs, however, are perfectly fine, and so I'm sure I'm not usnig them enough, in one way or another.

[nickybol]

You should not focus on using your abs. Maybe you have excellent abs. Your abs shouldn`t be tired after playing. Why should they be?

[moopie]

I think on the serve you're suppose to be using your abs to get some extra power. Your back is arched backwards a little on the serve, so as you "un-arch" your back to hit the ball you should be using the ab muscles.

[serveitup911]

Moopie, If you use your abs too much on serve it can lead to bending over and dropping your head - not good things.

[moopie]

Moopie, If you use your abs too much on serve it can lead to bending over and dropping your head - not good things.

Good point. But relative to all other strokes in tennis, serves and overheads tend to use the abs the most wouldn't you say?

[serveitup911]

Abs and core strength are important on all shots, I was just trying to emphasize that you don't want to over-use them.

[tonyjh63]

The reason I'm asking, is that I've read a few posts here which mention that your abs should actually be tired after playing, because of the work they do on the strokes. My abs, however, are perfectly fine, and so I'm sure I'm not usnig them enough, in one way or another.

Habib, are you sure you don't mean the obliques, instead of the abs? Often, when I hit a particularly good FH, I'll feel my left oblique (I'm a righty) really get into the shot. It kinda indicates to me that I've done a good job of transferring the force from my legs and hips, through my core, and into the shot. Any thougths on this, Marius?

[fishuuuuu]

Habib, are you sure you don't mean the obliques, instead of the abs? Often, when I hit a particularly good FH, I'll feel my left oblique (I'm a righty) really get into the shot. It kinda indicates to me that I've done a good job of transferring the force from my legs and hips, through my core, and into the shot. Any thougths on this, Marius?

Check the sticky. (I just had to.)

[Bungalo Bill]

The reason I'm asking, is that I've read a few posts here which mention that your abs should actually be tired after playing, because of the work they do on the strokes. My abs, however, are perfectly fine, and so I'm sure I'm not usnig them enough, in one way or another.

The abs or torso is an under taught use of the kinetic chain. They shouldnt be tired after playing a match because you dont want to OVER use the torso to execute your swing. It is simply part of the kinetic chain.

However, during practice sessions or drills involving groundstrokes and serves you can place an "exaggerated" emphasis of the stomach muscles allowing you to develop a feel for proper use of them.

It is not uncommon during a practice session like this to wake up with sore stomach muscles expecially when practicing the serve.

If you learn to use your lower body and torso to propel your relaxed shoulders and arm into the ball you are miles ahead of most players in good technique. Developing good core muscles in your stroke is essential for consistency, power, control, and endurance.

Remember though, when you practice this you can overemphasize to get the feel of how your stomach muscles play a part in your stroke. Once you get the feel you perform it lightly so that it is involved but it also allows you to rotate naturally into the ball.

For your onehanded backhand a good strong stomach is extremely important.

[Bungalo Bill]

Habib, are you sure you don't mean the obliques, instead of the abs? Often, when I hit a particularly good FH, I'll feel my left oblique (I'm a righty) really get into the shot. It kinda indicates to me that I've done a good job of transferring the force from my legs and hips, through my core, and into the shot. Any thougths on this, Marius?

Yes, the obliques will get worked as well. All players should develop their core muscles and learn how they contribute to their stroke.

Most people do not know how to "feel" their core muscles in the stroke. Therefore, many coaches will stress and exaggerated emphasis in helping a player learn to feel them in their stroke.

During these kinds of practice sessions it is not uncommon for players to wake up with sore stomach muscles and/or obliques.