Large Backswing vs Compact Backswing?

[Phayzon]

I've decided to make this thread because I've been getting a lot of different opinions on how your backswing before you make a shot affects the quality of your shot.

On one hand, my current tennis coach, teaches more of a larger backswing, one in which you basically "swing down" in your backswing to generate momentum for the shot, and guarantee that you get under the ball. On the other hand, I've noticed this takes a lot more time, it's harder to generate a fast swing speed, and sometimes I hit some offtiming shots. But it keeps my form in check

However, from a lot of people I've seen hitting have more compact backswings. They take their racquet back, coil up, and then swing without a real loop or long prep. I've tried this and it's helped me a lot with my timing, but I'm unsure if I should stick with it.

From some people I've heard the backswing is basically useless, and that the quality of your shot is dependent only on when you contact the ball, not your backswing.

Thoughts?

 

[user92626]

It's impossible to know what you and your coach mean by large or compact. What do you think of Nadal's and Djokovic's back swings?

 

[psv255]

I think there's a middle you can find between two extremes that works for you. Specifically for the FH: using the momentum from the loop to add to the racket speed on the shot is an interesting idea but the timing will be tricky. Something to try is anchoring your elbow, and trying to complete most of the "loop" without moving the elbow relative to body (see here for example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ImeQaAyFPc). It should always lead the stroke, in the sense that the elbow leads the prep and then leads the forward swing. More generally though, its the upper body that drives the elbow back in the prep and then forward in the swing.
You can still use some downward momentum as you swing down into and then out of the slot, but a compact prep will serve you better on more shots.

 

[Phayzon]

It's impossible to know what you and your coach mean by large or compact. What do you think of Nadal's and Djokovic's back swings?

Like comparing a loop to hitting a ball straight off taking the racquet back

 

[user92626]

Like comparing a loop to hitting a ball straight off taking the racquet back

Loop vs (kinda) straight back swing?

Murray's style looks loopy and Djokovic's looks straight. That kind of difference is only ...style and preference, imo.

 

[LeeD]

I"ve always believed it's best to learn compact, then once you can actually hit it, allow it to evolve where it's needed.

 

[GuyClinch]

Compact is better - but its also vague.. Just how do you go about achieving this compact backswing.

What is compact? Well according to coach Mauro its about using the elbow and unit turn and not the arm and a big kind of circular movement.

http://mauromarcostennis.com/stroke-mechanics/prepare-ground-stroke-with-compact-backswing/

Sounds good. I been working on improving my backswing too - so I have been checking on this. Some guys don't really teach backswing but this seems helpful.

I don't know if it will work out for me - as I haven't played since watching this video.

 

[mikeler]

I"ve always believed it's best to learn compact, then once you can actually hit it, allow it to evolve where it's needed.

Agreed. Compact strokes also hold up better in windy conditions.

 

[mightyrick]

Agassi is the poster boy for a compact swing. It makes for better, more accurate ball-striking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MNXV4jwUN0

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Medium to compact backswings (loop or otherwise) are best IMO. Much easier to time the forward swing to the incoming ball if the backswing is not large. This is particularly true on ball that are deep or fast.

Agassi and Federer are great examples of medium/compact backswings. Longer backswings are seen with many WTA players or with clay court players. When Nadal was primarily a claycourt specialist, his strokes employed a larger backswing. As his game evolved for faster surfaces, grass and hardcourts, he shortened it up a bit.

Players with huge backswings also tend to play deep behind the baseline, in order to have adequate time, especially on deep or fast incoming balls. Players who primarily use a generous backswing, often find it difficult to shorten it up for situations, like a half-volley, where a shorter backswing are needed. OTOH, players who normally use a compact or medium takeback will usually have no problem learning a larger backswing if they so desire.

With a more compact backswing, power is generated more with the body than relying primarily on the shoulder/arm as with a large backswing. More rotation (uncoiling) will precede the forward swing with a compact takeback. Perhaps more power from the legs, hips, pectoral stretch, and stretch of the forearm muscles are employed with a compact swing.

 

[TennisCJC]

I am big proponent of compact backswings on FH and BH. I think the prep position should be just turning your shoulders and setting your grips with your hands and the racket head still between your shoulders. Then roughly about the time the ball bounces, you execute take back and swing to contact.

The biggest advantages to this method:

1. you can still move to the ball in an athletic manner if you hands are between your shoulders opposed to someone who lays the racket head back,

2. by keeping the prep in front of your chest, you can vary the size of the take back based on incoming shot - when incoming ball is fast and deep, you can take a small take back but if you get a sitter, you can take a slightly bigger take back.

and 3. It is easier to time as the swing is smaller.

 

[GoudX]

3.5 and below - get the racquet below the ball then point the racquet at the back wall and swing through. Keep it simple - a fairly long stroke which doesn't require great footwork or racquet control. Use an over the shoulder follow through to get the cleanest contact.

3.5-4.5 - start with the racquet head behind the ball, then let the racquet head drop below the ball before you swing up. This is a longer stroke, which allows a faster swing for more topspin. This requires more accurate swings and thus better movement. Best used with a windscreen wiper follow through to generate a faster swing.

4.5+ - start with the racquet head in front of the chest and above the ball and instead bring the elbow back. Swing the elbow and drop the racquetball simultaneously. A very fast swing, which is very compact, but it requires great conditioning to use effectively, the short takeback and extra topspin make it very consistent as long as you can move well and have very good racquet handling. Power comes from the legs, body and shoulder. Use with every follow through, depending on the situation.