Tennis Tips - Use Your Whole Body

Using your whole body in tennis is one of the biggest game-changers, especially for power, control, and injury prevention. Here's how to break it down:

Why It Matters

• Efficiency: You get more power without overusing your arm.
• Consistency: Smooth, full-body strokes are easier to repeat.
• Injury Prevention: Relying too much on your arm or wrist can lead to strain (e.g., tennis elbow).

How to Use Your Whole Body 1. Legs – The Engine

• Bend your knees before every shot.
• Push off the ground to generate upward and forward force.
• Stay low and balanced for stability.

2. Hips – The Power Base

• Rotate your hips as you swing — this is where real power starts.
• Think of your hips leading the motion, especially on forehands and serves.

3. Core – The Link

• Your abs and obliques connect the lower and upper body.
• Twist through your torso as you swing — this rotation adds torque and control.

4. Shoulders – The Swing Arc

• Let your shoulders turn during the backswing and uncoil during the forward swing.
• This helps lengthen your swing and generate topspin.

5. Arm – The Whip

• Your arm should follow, not lead.
• Keep it relaxed so your swing can be smooth and fluid — like cracking a whip at the end of a chain of movement.

6. Wrist – The Finisher

• A loose wrist allows for spin and finesse, especially on topspin or slice shots.
• Don't "muscle" the shot with your wrist — it should flow naturally at the end.

Drill to Practice: Shadow Swing With Emphasis

• Practice swings without a ball.
• Focus on each part of the motion: legs → hips → core → shoulder → arm → wrist.
• Record yourself — you'd be surprised how much you can improve by seeing your motion.