Here is a video lesson talking you through the open stance forehand:
Tennis has indeed seen significant evolution in recent years, with players adapting to new trends and techniques to excel in the modern game. One prominent example of this evolution is the open stance forehand, which has become a hallmark of the modern game.
In the past, the traditional “turn-step-hit” approach dominated the forehand technique, emphasising linear movement and momentum generated by stepping into the shot. However, in today’s game, the “load, explode and land” pattern has taken over, taking form of the open stance forehand.
So, what exactly does this entail? Well, hitting an open stance forehand involves positioning oneself with the front foot slightly behind the ball, allowing the body to coil and load energy before exploding forward into the shot. This setup enables players to harness more power and pace, while also facilitating quicker recovery and movement after the shot.
By embracing the open stance forehand, players can unleash heavy topspin from both their forehand and backhand wings, adding depth and aggression to their game. While slice shots and flat shots have become less prevalent, the open stance forehand has emerged as a weapon, enabling players to dictate play with explosive strokes and dynamic movement.
Of course, mastering the open stance forehand requires dedication and practice, as players must refine their timing, footwork, and racquet preparation to execute the shot effectively. Yet, for those willing to embrace this modern approach, the rewards in terms of power, precision, and versatility on the court can be truly game changing.
Let’s dive into the specific of this video lesson
Drill 1:
Alright, for our first drill today, we’re mixing things up a bit with Sienna by swapping out her racket for a 2kg medicine ball. It might seem unconventional, but trust me, it’s all part of the plan to help her grasp the importance of using her legs, especially in the context of hitting with an open stance.
So, why the medicine ball, you ask? Well, by adding that extra weight, we’re forcing Sienna to really engage her legs and generate more upward force and momentum when she throws the ball back to me. It’s like a mini workout within our training session, but with a specific focus on her leg movement.
Now, here’s the key part: I’m really focusing on getting her to exaggerate that step out movement with her right foot. That’s crucial for executing the open stance effectively. It’s all about that explosive push off and getting into position to unleash a powerful shot.
Sure, it might feel a bit awkward at first, lugging around a medicine ball instead of a racket, but trust me, the payoff is worth it. Sienna’s going to notice a big difference in her footwork and overall stability on the court once we transition back to using her racket. Plus, it adds a fun twist to our training session.
Drill 2:
Now that we’ve got Sienna’s racket back in her hand, it’s time to shift gears and focus on refining her technique with some shadow swings from an open stance. This is where we really start fine tuning those key movements that make the open stance so effective.
One of the main things I’m emphasising with Sienna is enhancing her loading on the outside foot. That’s where all the power and stability come from in the open stance. So, to really drive that point home, I’m asking her to turn her left knee down toward the ground as she sets up for her swing.
It might sound like a small adjustment, but trust me, it makes a world of difference. By turning that knee down, Sienna is essentially building a more solid foundation for her open stance. It helps her really coil up and load her body, maximising the power and explosiveness of her shot. These shadow swings might seem like simple repetitions, but they’re laying the groundwork for some seriously impressive in the near and distant future.
Drill 3:
In the next drill, we switch Sienna’s attention to handling a slightly wider ball whilst still using the open stance. Sienna pays particular attention to making contact off her outside foot. This means that as she swings through to strike the ball, the bulk of her weight should shift onto this foot. Following this, she needs to carry the momentum generated through the swing and land back on the same foot after making contact with the ball. For a brief moment, Sienna will find herself entirely airborne.
Drill 4:
In addressing the next drill, we focus on handling an even wider ball, one that might approach the tramline. This technique, crucial for both defensive and offensive play, depending on how early you get to the ball.
Sienna is instructed to maintain the open stance, hitting off her right leg and propelling her weight through the shot by pushing up, ultimately landing on the same foot again. We note that unlike the previous drill, Sienna will need to take additional steps before the open stance due to the increased ground to cover.
The added steps serve as preparation for the shot, allowing Sienna to establish a solid foundation before unleashing her stroke with power and precision. By hustling to position herself correctly and loading up on her right leg, Sienna can ensure that she’s primed to make the most of this wider ball scenario.
Drill 5:
Shifting our focus to a shorter ball, we’re exploring how an open stance can be used to handle mid court shots effectively. Again, you’ll notice Sienna briefly off the ground for a split second. However, after contact, she’ll be landing on her left foot instead of the right. So her momentum is moving more forwards and through the court.
Drill 6:
Moving on, we’re combining both the wide and short ball scenarios. Beginning with some shadow swings, Sienna then performed both very well as I fed the ball.
Final drill:
Wrapping up our session with the final drill, we’re revisiting the key points we covered during the lesson, particularly emphasising the importance of planting the outside foot in the open stance. To add a touch of realism, I’m using my racket for the feeds from the opposite side of the court and I am feeding a random bunch on her forehand side whereby she can only hit with an open stance.
