Whitney Kraft, Director of Tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, is here to answer your questions on the game of tennis in his column on USTA.com called
“Whit’s Tennis Tips." Whether you're looking for that perfect racquet, having a dispute over scoring a match, or just looking to improve your game, all you have to do is
Ask Whit.
* Please note, due to the volume of emails Whit receives, he is not able to answer every email.
From: Mike
Subject: Finish Position for Forehand and Backhand
Hi Whit,
My question is in regard to the finish position, on the forehand and backhand, after you have struck the ball. From what I see on TV, it appears that alot of players make a conscious effort to get both feet pointed to their opponent when they finish. Even with an open forehand, it appears they make a conscious body turn to face their opponent. On the backhand side, I see alot of players hitting off of one foot, apparently for power. Is this the only time you should do that. Also, when not ending up on one foot for power strokes, they appear to turn the non dominant foot around to end up facing their opponent. Sorry for the long windedness. Hope I am making some sense.
Thanks.
Mike
Hi Mike,
You are referring to ANGULAR MOMENTUM, or power generated by rotational force coupling (kinetic links). Linear momentum is force generated in a straight line. While the open stance has been often considered angular based, there can be significant linear momentum as well, particularly when the body moves forward from contact to follow through.
How the feet point and land after stroke, is largely an effect of loading biomechanics and playing situation. I assure you that no pros (during matches) make “conscious effort” to point their feet anywhere, as this has been trained and ingrained, and not an area of thought considered healthy during match play.
Regards,
Whitney
From: Daniel
Subject: Junior Tennis
Hi Whit. How would you help a player going from 12's to 14's who is having difficulty with the increased pace that older players are able to hit?
Thanks.
Daniel
Hi Daniel
A certified coach can best identify where the most appropriate and viable adjustments might occur. You will be experiencing an on-going series of physiological changes as you mature, and at each stage, and competitive age group, continued structured development should occur.
A good coach, who works with juniors, should be knowledgeable in such physiological considerations as it applies to tennis.
Best of luck,
Whitney
From: Logan
Subject: One-handed Backhand
Hi my name is Logan and I have a question... When hitting a one handed backhand should I catch the ball on the rise or fall.
Hi Logan,
Your question is very dynamic and your answer is: BOTH, and most places in between....
First, most (not all) two-handed backhands TEND to hit better on the rise than a one-hander. Grips, stances, natural timing, game-styles, and physicality will usually be the ingredients whether a one-handed might or might not have a good backhand on the rise. So, understand it is necessary ability to hit on the rise, as the situation may impose this.
Now, why should a player of a particular style and situation, DECIDE to contact the ball at a particular height, or trajectory? Time? Court position? Shot selection options? ANSWER: "all of the above"
Regards,
Whitney
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From: Theresa
Subject: Time Off from Tennis
I'm recovering from elbow surgery and will be out of tennis for about 6 months. Although I'm able to keep up with aerobic conditioning I can't lift any weights for another couple of months. Any suggestions on what I can do during this hiatus that will improve my game once I'm back on court--books, training, etc?
Thanks for your advice,
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
Great opportunity to work on leg strength, speed, quickness, muscular endurance, flexibility….hmmm, sound like you can turn a liability into an asset! Check www.humankinetics.com for books and videos on conditioning for tennis, and simply select the exercises you are able to perform.
Good luck,
Whitney