Any left-handed players here?

robJAR

Semi-Pro
I'm trying to find videos or some tips for left-handed players. I try to use spin on my forehands and attempt to have a closed stance, but it turns into a habit going to a fully open stance, like Nadal.

As for my backhands, after going back and forth from using 1 or 2 hands, I've decided to stick to one-handed backhands. I'm trying to find videos on using proper footwork and technique, let alone written steps/tips on how to properly hit. Can anyone help me out here?

I don't have any videos of myself hitting, and I won't for a while since the weather still sucks, and I don't have any camera to use when I play indoors.

-robJAR
 

ThA_Azn_DeViL

Semi-Pro
Amazingly, I was in the same position as you, I started off with a 2HBH, switching to a 1HBH, and eventually decided to stick with the 1HBH, I prefer to try closed stance but in the higher levels you have less time to react, so its mostly open, but if you want spin i suggest an elaborated takeback, rotation of shoulders, and know the kinetic chain to add pace. If you want advice to go either 2 or 1 HBH, I'd say what feels more natural to you, there are pros and cons to everything, but for me, a 1HBH allows me to create some sick angles, but a 2HBH is better at taking serves, im absolutely horrible at ROS.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Why copy Nadal? It IS your choice.
Why try to look at vids of US, try looking at vids of the lefty pro players.
Any rightie vid is easy to transpose to lefty needs, just switch the right for left.....
Look at the recent serving vids of US serving. Look at, don't copy.:)
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
ROS, just shorten your prep and takeback, so the racket is ready before the ball gets to you.
If that ball comes really fast, volley it back.
 

robJAR

Semi-Pro
I'm not trying to copy silly, and I only said Nadal as a reference. :p

Sorry, but what does ROS mean?

-robJAR
 

robJAR

Semi-Pro
Sorry to disappoint, but no.

Haha sorry to give your hopes up buddy. 1000th post?

But thanks for the advice. Is there anything else anyone can help me with?

-robJAR
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
No hopes, none broken.
I'd watch TV tennis, and there's sooo many vids of pros hitting and technique videos from teaching pros (not the same thing as playing pros).
I like to watch lefty's, but have no problems transposing rightie's technique into something I can relate to.
You can always place a big mirror next to your screen for a negative image... :shock::):shock:
 

robJAR

Semi-Pro
Actually.. That's a good idea. I'm pretty stupid for not thinking about. It'll be like mirroring (literally) techniques of coaches, pros, etc.

-robJAR
 

SystemicAnomaly

Bionic Poster
I am surprised that this is an issue for a lefty. As a lefty, living in a right-handed world, I've never had any real problems learning physical tasks from both lefty and right models (coaches) for various sports. If confused, one simple trick is to emulate a motion or stroke right-handed first and then immediately teach yourself the same motion left-handed.

Check out the tennis instruction site, Fuzzy Yellow Balls. Will H is a lefty.
 

user92626

G.O.A.T.
I'm also left handed and have the tendency to stay in open stance. I think I'm just lazy and the fact that I always choose to play on ad side in doubles which 90% of my shots are xcourt and approach me as though I am already turned. More turning to into closed stance would force me to hit into their netman, eh?
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
What if they choose to serve you down the middle, up the T, which is where most good servers WOULD serve to a lefty in ad court :twisted::twisted:
What stroke would you use to return to the server at his ad court?
Sometimes he comes in, sometimes he stays back.....
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Any 3.5 rightie can serve up the T to your backhand. Most 3.0's can also.
EVERY player near my level has at least two different serves up the T, to my backhand on ad court.
I have at least 4 different serves ad court, to a left hander's backhand up the T.
Nobody gives me any free points.
 

user92626

G.O.A.T.
well, I can also place the ball at the T but it won't go over 15 mph or so.

So, I won't get no point for that. :)
 

Tennisguy777

Professional
I'm trying to find videos or some tips for left-handed players. I try to use spin on my forehands and attempt to have a closed stance, but it turns into a habit going to a fully open stance, like Nadal.

As for my backhands, after going back and forth from using 1 or 2 hands, I've decided to stick to one-handed backhands. I'm trying to find videos on using proper footwork and technique, let alone written steps/tips on how to properly hit. Can anyone help me out here?

I don't have any videos of myself hitting, and I won't for a while since the weather still sucks, and I don't have any camera to use when I play indoors.

-robJAR

Yes fellow lefty reporting. How about you look at my thread
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=236343
Plenty of good advice and videos. I am also not too far from philly if you ever want to hit.
 
Top