Athletic Stance
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Lee Couillard, USPTA, Head Tennis Professional, Punahou School, shows the "Athletic Stance" and why it is so important to use this before every return. Many players, especially the bigger and taller ones stand "Too Tall" when returning the serve. This "Too Tall" position does not allow the body to stretch out wide, on balance, to block the return. The wider stance lowers the center of gravity and propels the body toward the contact point.
Comments
There seems to be two types of returners. there are those who attack and really hit the ball vs. those who swing at the ball. What do you all think are the merits of each style and why do you choose one or the other? do you think a lot of it has to do with body type? whether you're tall or not? Is it just the athletic stance?
I enjoyed this perspective
Brody
New Zealand
Posted by: Brody | July 6, 2010 4:51 AM
Does widening the stance really help with power or is there more to it than that?
For me, I seem to have better control of the racket when I stand with a narrow stance (my shoulders are wide) - my outer shoe within the width of my shoulders, as opposed to the instep as wide as my shoulders.
Won't it depend upon the type of swing and other factors?
Great website, I will visit here more often.
Paula
Virginia
Posted by: Paula | June 27, 2010 7:20 PM