Having a good stance in tennis is essential for effective movement and shot execution. Here are the key elements of a proper tennis stance:
- Feet Position:
- Shoulder-Width Apart: Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart to maintain balance and stability.
- Weight Distribution: Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, with a slight bias toward the balls of your feet for readiness.
- Knees:
- Slightly Bent: Keep your knees slightly flexed to lower your center of gravity and improve your balance. This will help you react quickly to the ball.
- Hips:
- Level and Engaged: Your hips should be level and slightly engaged. This positioning allows for better rotation during your strokes.
- Upper Body:
- Relaxed Shoulders: Keep your shoulders relaxed and down, not tensed up. This helps maintain fluidity in your movements.
- Forward Lean: Lean slightly forward to stay alert and ready to move.
- Head:
- Eyes on the Ball: Keep your head still and your eyes focused on the ball, especially as it approaches you.
- Grip:
- Ready Position: Hold your racket with a continental grip in the ready position, which allows you to quickly adjust to forehand or backhand shots.
- Movement:
- Stay Light: Keep your weight on the balls of your feet to facilitate quick lateral movement. Be prepared to pivot and step into your shots.
Practicing these elements in drills can help you develop a solid and effective stance for both groundstrokes and volleys.