A
s many teaching professionals will undoubtly tell you, footwork and
positioning is crucial for hitting great groundstroke’s. I find most
club level players find themselves getting either crowded or reaching
on some of the easiest shots putting them off balance while hitting.
In return it puts the player in a defensive position to only be able
to just get the ball back!! I tell my students when they watch tennis
either on television or live, watch how the Professionals move and
position themselves. Notice the different types of stances, their
position in relationship to the on coming ball, balance, and recovery.
Time and time again they get into position to execute their shots.
You’ve probably heard tennis professionals interviewed when they come
off court with a bad loss discussing the match. What you don’t usually
hear them say is that “my technique was terrible today.” they usually
say “I wasn’t moving well”. Roger Federer said after winning his 17th
final in a row, “My game has a lot to do with footwork, when I’m moving
well, I play well”. So, be aware of your footwork and work to get
in position for every shot!
Hope this helps.
Adam
