Tennis - Closed Stance

Explanation: The closed stance can be used on either forehand or backhand shots, but is only recommended when a player is chasing down a ball on the run, or is forced wide.

How: This stance closes the hips preventing them from rotating, and also requires extra recovery steps before any rotation from the shoulders or trunk can take place. Limited control, power, options, and a slower recovery time are other drawbacks of this stance.

It involves the left foot (for the right handed) stepping across and being the outside foot taking all of the weight, so the majority of the power has to be generated through the arms.

Points to remember: This stance often has to be used when a player has been caught off balance, breathing relaxes the body and allows for better footwork, which lessen the chance of being off balance. So remember to breathe.

Breathing can also help with racket speed. Players should exhale as they start the forward motion as this can also reduce overall tightness.

It is also one of the best ways to combat nerves so breathing through and between points is very important.

Other Ground Strokes and Techniques: