Q2) Square Stance or Open Stance?

[kickingbird]

If any, what is the most ideal way of hitting a forehand? I used to try to hit every ball in a semi-open stance every time, loading the weight onto my right leg. However I started to notice that if I stepped into the ball with my left leg (almost a closed stance) and unloaded onto the ball I get a lot more forward momentum and control. I only started doing this after watching the pros at the Sydney International- they almost always did this, especially in practice. They would create a solid base and not take a backward step. This way I noticed that power loss is minimal. The problem with my semi open stance was that sometimes if I am caught late I would have my weight moving backwards = loss of power.

So now every time I have time to set up, I try and get into this stance to hit a shot, and every time I am pushed out wide, I am forced to hit in a semi open stance. Is this how it should be? What does everybody else think? BTW I am a right hander.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Versatile players such as Sampras are executing both both these days (even if for him it was mosly semi-open, not fully open- and closed). Depends on the situation. Inside the lines, he was using mainly semi-open, outside the lines (say running forehands) he was using closed, of course based on the stability req'd.

 

[alan-n]

Practice all, as your tennis skills improve you will naturally be able swing will all stances depending on how much time you have or don't have to hit the ball... Usually this means behind the baseline you'll have time for closed stance. Just on or inside = semiopen.... when you are jammed, open.

Tennis is a running game, a good opponent will try not to give you the ideal shot...

 

[devilish_duke]

I believe you should hit with what's most comfortable based on where you want the ball to go.

 

[Mahboob Khan]

We should not impose any stance on us. Rather, the hitting situation -- whether normal or difficult -- should dictate the stance.

Having said, semi-open or open stance matches with semi-western or western forehand grips. Although it is also possible to use it with Eastern FH grip.

Yes, for normal ball it is still preferred to step toward the ball and hit it with a square stance which allows weight transfer into the hit. For wide ball where recovery from the shot is the over-riding factor, it is preferred to use open stance.

 

[grip-N-rip]

in my observations of the pro's when i attend tournaments, the majority are using a semi-open stance when they have time to set up (approximately 45 degrees to the baseline). with the semi and western grip you should hit the ball more out in front than say with an eastern, and these stances help promote such contact zones-- it is difficult to hit in plane or behind your body with these stances. my 2 cents

 

[kickingbird]

Thank you everyone. I forgot that the type of grip you use plays a predominant role in deciding what stance might feel best for you. Maybe it is because I use a grip between an Eastern and Semi Western grip that the square/closed stance feels best for me.

I understand that it's good to be able to hit from a variety of stances according to the situation, but for me, when I have time to set up, the square stance and leaning into the shot with a bit of hip and sholder rotation seems to work best. The semi open stance with the weight on the right leg doesn't give me the sensation of 'falling into the shot' that I like when attacking short balls. I guess I like to go into the ball instead of waiting for the ball coming to me.

 

[rafael]

I like to think of it as throwing a punch the way it is done in martial arts (like karate). You push from your back-leg (in this case your right) with your momentum focused in your hips.