Automatic unit turn

goeblack

Rookie
When I get tired, or under pressure, I find I abandon the proper unit turn. I do well when I am aware of turning properly but obviously my muscle memory is not locked in yet.

I know this will come with repetition but in the meantime any little tricks that any of you have used to speed this along.

Mostly my unit turn breaks down on a running backhand and when returning serve.

Thanks
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Eventually and good unit turn should happen as unconsciously for a tennis player as breathing. I'd say make sure to be as deliberate as you can with a split-step and unit turn all the time, even when having an easy knock-around (ESPECIALLY during these easy hits). Over emphasize it for a while and you should eventually do it without having to cue yourself.

One little idea that helps me with my turn is to concentrate on my non-racquet hand - I'm a righty, so this applies to my left hand. I like to occasionally remind myself to use that off-hand to force my racquet over to the appropriate side the instant the ball is struck from the other side of the net. The better I do this, the more often I'm rewarded with an early setup and a cleaner swing at the ball.

You're right about that repetition. Be persistent and force this quick early turn all the time. Soon enough, it will become the only way you set up on the ball.
 

user92626

G.O.A.T.
You simply need a cue to activate your unit turn. At this level (I assume ..not very advanced :)) you can use the mark where the ball crosses the net as the starting point of your unit turn. I used to synch the ball coming down to its bounce with my take back. Worked wonder.

About bh, learn to hit with more stands. One of the essentials is open stand.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Keep oft hand on the throat at prep position. When you see a ball coming either way, start your takeback with BOTH hands until you get almost sideways.
 
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