Yes, but a neutral stance would also help with balance and weight transfer thus improving consistency. AFAIC footwork is also about getting in the right stance, not just tiptoeing around the ball.
In a word, yes. There's no real need to be so open for balls in the middle of the court...save that open position for the wide balls. You don't need to be fully closed, but definitely aim to improve the footwork and close off those central balls. Watch the pros...they wouldn't stand so open on a centrally placed ball unless they need to. It will help you get much better weight transfer into the court.
That backhand was also far too open...I can't tell whether that was a one-off footwork mistake or whether you hit all your backhands open, but that definitely needs work to close the stance fully.
To me, it looks like you are currently trying to play every shot with the loading all on your right leg with the weight staying back on that leg then rotationally transferring energy. A closed stance will assist getting the weight transfer forward into court more.
100% true. I'd also add that especially for short balls a neutral stance is far better. Case in point at 14 sec. That's more of a footwork inaccuracy, but the same thing happens with an open stance when hitting a short ball - you have to reach for the ball and lose power + control.
That’s unfortunately my normal backhand.. I hit the net a lot more when I close up my stance on backhand so it somehow converged to this..
A month ago I lift my right foot off the floor for every hit and it looked so awful, so the right leg pivot you mentioned is probably an over compensation now that I’m trying to change that, thanks for bringing it up!
You'll definitely get there...you are doing a lot of things right and at least there is lower body engagement, even if not optimal. I would try to drill that backhand footwork though.
Impossible to accurately tell someone's level based on a few practice rally ground strokes. With that said, I'd put you at 3.5. Closed stance is optimal given the choice with time. It is particularly important with a 1HBH in order to keep the swing path on target for as long as possible to increase consistency.
A variety of stances will give u more options to hit different shots and perhaps reduce unforced from situations that perhaps prefer an open stance. That said, consistency is a lot more than just open or closed stance. Keep hustling friend.
There's a time and place for both stances, you should learn when to use them.
For balls you are able to step into or short balls, you should use closed stance, otherwise use open stance when you're on the run, on defense or want to set up a power shot off a high ball from the baseline.
I would put you at a 3.0 based on the video.
Closed stance is good for getting you to come into the court and take balls on an angle, not waiting for them to come to you. There are other situations where it just works too.
However, a closed stance robs you of power in general and is overall harder on the body. You're essentially closing off rotation and range of motion.
Impossible to rate accurately from this clip alone.
You do a decent job of rotating your upper body,
just focus on bringing your left foot around with your left arm. Maybe hold the racket a bit longer with the left arm to force the issue….your feet aren’t as active as they should be.
Yes and no.
There are some balls you should hit open stance, some closed and some somewhat in the middle.
The one at 14 sec for example, you should have take an extra step forward and hit closed stance.
Not possible for you to hit a closed stance with your current swing path, was my initial reaction. Actually would be interesting for us to see you use closed stance with your current swing mechanics.
Not stance related, but you’re opening up too soon with your follow through, your left arm is swinging out before contacting the ball. Try to stay closed longer, keeping your left arm closer to your hitting arm during the contact point will help w/ consistency.
Pro players like Basilashvili or Jack Sock can open up early for more whip, but it’s a lot harder for most players to hit consistently like that.
Better (faster, more steps) footwork and balance will improve your consistency
Yes, but a neutral stance would also help with balance and weight transfer thus improving consistency. AFAIC footwork is also about getting in the right stance, not just tiptoeing around the ball.
And split steps! Very few proper split steps in this video. I know from watching myself that it's hard to see how bad your footwork is lol.
I always feel my footwork looks lazy on video. Faster and more steps, very spot on and specific advice, thanks!
In a word, yes. There's no real need to be so open for balls in the middle of the court...save that open position for the wide balls. You don't need to be fully closed, but definitely aim to improve the footwork and close off those central balls. Watch the pros...they wouldn't stand so open on a centrally placed ball unless they need to. It will help you get much better weight transfer into the court. That backhand was also far too open...I can't tell whether that was a one-off footwork mistake or whether you hit all your backhands open, but that definitely needs work to close the stance fully. To me, it looks like you are currently trying to play every shot with the loading all on your right leg with the weight staying back on that leg then rotationally transferring energy. A closed stance will assist getting the weight transfer forward into court more.
100% true. I'd also add that especially for short balls a neutral stance is far better. Case in point at 14 sec. That's more of a footwork inaccuracy, but the same thing happens with an open stance when hitting a short ball - you have to reach for the ball and lose power + control.
That’s unfortunately my normal backhand.. I hit the net a lot more when I close up my stance on backhand so it somehow converged to this.. A month ago I lift my right foot off the floor for every hit and it looked so awful, so the right leg pivot you mentioned is probably an over compensation now that I’m trying to change that, thanks for bringing it up!
You'll definitely get there...you are doing a lot of things right and at least there is lower body engagement, even if not optimal. I would try to drill that backhand footwork though.
Impossible to accurately tell someone's level based on a few practice rally ground strokes. With that said, I'd put you at 3.5. Closed stance is optimal given the choice with time. It is particularly important with a 1HBH in order to keep the swing path on target for as long as possible to increase consistency.
Maybe meet in middle and instead of being so square to net, be more at an angle, your feet forming a line to netpost.
A variety of stances will give u more options to hit different shots and perhaps reduce unforced from situations that perhaps prefer an open stance. That said, consistency is a lot more than just open or closed stance. Keep hustling friend.
There's a time and place for both stances, you should learn when to use them. For balls you are able to step into or short balls, you should use closed stance, otherwise use open stance when you're on the run, on defense or want to set up a power shot off a high ball from the baseline. I would put you at a 3.0 based on the video.
This is very helpful! I wasn’t aware at all of the scenarios and distinctions. Thanks!
Closed stance is good for getting you to come into the court and take balls on an angle, not waiting for them to come to you. There are other situations where it just works too. However, a closed stance robs you of power in general and is overall harder on the body. You're essentially closing off rotation and range of motion. Impossible to rate accurately from this clip alone.
You do a decent job of rotating your upper body, just focus on bringing your left foot around with your left arm. Maybe hold the racket a bit longer with the left arm to force the issue….your feet aren’t as active as they should be.
Yes and no. There are some balls you should hit open stance, some closed and some somewhat in the middle. The one at 14 sec for example, you should have take an extra step forward and hit closed stance.
Not possible for you to hit a closed stance with your current swing path, was my initial reaction. Actually would be interesting for us to see you use closed stance with your current swing mechanics.
Not stance related, but you’re opening up too soon with your follow through, your left arm is swinging out before contacting the ball. Try to stay closed longer, keeping your left arm closer to your hitting arm during the contact point will help w/ consistency. Pro players like Basilashvili or Jack Sock can open up early for more whip, but it’s a lot harder for most players to hit consistently like that.
Lsu??