TennisOne Lessons


Proper Positioning for
Better Ground Strokes

by Monty Basnyat

Introduction

Most club players have a common misperception that power is generated only through the swing (racquet acceleration). But, in reality, power and depth in your strokes come from a number of things:

  1. Shoulder and trunk rotation with proper racquet preparation
  2. Moving and stepping into the ball and starting your transfer of weight
  3. Proper point of contact
  4. Long follow-through

When you have incorporated all these elements into the stroke, you should have the power and the depth you're looking for.

This lesson will focus more on the second element mentioned above: moving and stepping into the ball and starting your transfer of weight.

1. Hugging the Baseline and Hitting off Back Foot

If you're having difficulties moving into the ball, there might be a simple problem: you're hugging the baseline. During a rally, where do most balls land? Between the service line and the baseline.

If the ball lands closer to the baseline - and you're hugging the line and you're not Agassi or Seles who can take almost every ball on the rise - you're in trouble. You won't always have time to move back, and you'll end up hitting off your back foot. When this happens, your body weight is moving back while the ball is moving forward towards your opponent.

2. Standing Back and Stepping into the Ball

Ask yourself, is it easier for you to move forward into the ball, or to go back? Obviously, it's easier to move forward. To prepare yourself to move forward, position yourself a couple of steps behind the baseline.

Now you'll find yourself in a better position to move and step into the ball. It should then be easier to transfer your body weight forward and to establish the proper point of contact.

3. Dragging Foot

Here's an expensive but effective technique that might help you transfer your weight forward. While you're practicing, concentrate on dragging your back foot a few inches as you hit the ball. In this way, you'll develop the habit of transfering your weight forward. Ideally, you want to begin to drag your back foot right before the point of contact and continue during the follow-through. You should only drag your rear foot a few inches during this process; otherwise, your recovery will be too slow for the next shot.