Master the Tennis Open Stance: Unleash Power & Dominate the Court

The way we move our feet on the court is really important in tennis. It’s also surprisingly difficult to get right every time.

Hell, it’s called footwork, isn’t it?

The open stance is, thankfully, on the easier side of tennis footwork. This makes it a great starting skill that beginners can learn to use when they are in a difficult position on the court. Yet a lot of amateurs don’t understand or use the tennis open stance.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about mastering the tennis open stance. From its benefits to step-by-step instructions, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to transform your game and leave your opponents wondering, “How did they get to that ball?!”

What is the Tennis Open Stance?

The open stance in tennis is a powerful and dynamic positioning technique that has revolutionized the way players approach their shots. Unlike the closed stance or the semi-open stance, the open stance allows players to hit the ball with their body facing the net.

In a nutshell, when using an open stance, both feet are pointing towards the net, so that your shoulders are open to the net. This stance defies the fundamental technique of the unit turn. But this is for good reason!

The open stance is used when a player is ‘out-wide’ or in other words, is reaching for a difficult ball that has pushed them off-court. The open stance allows the player to more easily reach the ball, because they are able to just slide to it, rather than get both feet planted before hitting the shot. This is, of course, always easier with proper tennis shoes.

It also allows the player to recover quicker, which is what we’ll get into in the next section!

Benefits of the Open Stance in Tennis

Now that we’ve covered what the open stance is, let’s dive into why it’s become so popular. Trust me, once you understand these benefits, you’ll be itching to incorporate this technique into your game!

First off, the open stance is a defensive player’s dream. By keeping your body more open to the court, you can generate a rotational force back towards the centre of the court.

This translates to more momentum back to the middle so you can push off and sprint to the next ball faster than with a closed stance. This improved reaction time can be the difference between winning and losing a point in today’s fast-paced games.

Balance and stability are crucial in tennis, and the open stance delivers here too. By keeping your feet wider apart and your weight evenly distributed, you’re less likely to be thrown off balance by a hard-hit ball or a quick change of direction. This stability allows you to maintain control even when hitting powerful shots or stretching for wide balls.

Lastly, the open stance is particularly advantageous in modern tennis, where players hit the ball harder and with more spin than ever before. It allows you to handle these high-powered shots more effectively, giving you a fighting chance against even the most aggressive opponents.

Mastering the Open Stance Technique

Alright, so you’re sold on the benefits of the open stance. Now, let’s talk about how to master this technique. Don’t worry, with a bit of practice, you’ll be hitting open stance shots like a pro in no time!

First things first: foot positioning and weight distribution. In an open stance, your feet should be about shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet. This positioning will make you face the net, allowing you to use your wingspan for better court coverage.

Now, here’s where the magic happens: hip and shoulder rotation. As you prepare to hit the ball, rotate your hips and shoulders away from the net. This coiling motion is like winding up a spring – when you uncoil to hit the ball, you’ll generate tremendous power. The key is to start this rotation early, as soon as you recognize where the ball is going.

Throughout the shot, maintaining balance is crucial. Keep your core engaged and your knees slightly bent. This lower body stability allows your upper body to rotate freely, generating more power and control.

Open Stance Forehand: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to put that open stance into action? Let’s break down the open stance forehand step by step. This is one of the most common shots you’ll use with an open stance, so mastering it is key.

Starting position: As the ball approaches, turn your body sideways to the net. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart, with your front foot parallel to the baseline and your back foot behind it.

Body rotation and racket preparation: As you step, start rotating your hips and shoulders away from the net. Your racket should move back in a loop, with the butt of the racket pointing towards the incoming ball.

Contact point: As you uncoil your body, bring your racket forward to meet the ball. The contact point should be slightly in front of your body and to the side.

Follow-through: After contact, let your racket continue its path across your body. Your weight will naturally shift onto your front foot as you complete the shot.

To improve your open stance forehand, try these drills:
1. Shadow swings: Practice the motion without a ball to groove the technique.
2. Wall rallies: Hit against a wall, focusing on maintaining the open stance throughout.
3. Partner feeds: Have a partner feed you balls while you focus on perfecting your open stance forehand.

Open Stance Backhand: Unleashing Your Secret Weapon

Now, let’s talk about the open stance backhand – a shot that can really set you apart on the court. Whether you use a one-handed or two-handed backhand, the open stance can add power and versatility to your game.

For a one-handed backhand, the open stance requires a bit more core strength and balance. Your grip should be a bit more eastern (rotated towards a continental grip) compared to a closed stance backhand. This allows for better racket head control through the shot.

With a two-handed backhand, the open stance feels more natural for many players. Your dominant hand should use an eastern backhand grip, while your non-dominant hand uses a continental grip.

In both cases, the key to generating power is using your core. As you rotate back, bend your knees slightly. As you uncoil to hit the ball, push up through your legs, transferring that energy into your core and then into your arms and racket.

Here are some exercises to develop a killer open stance backhand:
1. Medicine ball rotations: Throw a medicine ball sideways against a wall, mimicking the backhand motion.
2. Single-leg balance drills: Practice hitting backhands while balancing on your outside leg to improve stability.
3. Resistance band rotations: Use a resistance band to strengthen your core rotational muscles.

Incorporating the Open Stance into Your Game

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about how to effectively incorporate the open stance into your overall game. Remember, while the open stance is incredibly useful, it’s not always the best choice for every shot.

Generally, you’ll want to use the open stance when you’re short on time or when you need to generate a lot of power quickly. It’s particularly effective when returning serves, handling high-bouncing balls, or when you’re pulled wide and need to recover quickly after the shot.

However, when you have plenty of time to set up, or when you’re hitting a touch shot that requires finesse rather than power, a closed or semi-open stance might be more appropriate. The key is to be flexible and choose the stance that best suits each specific situation.

Adapting to different court surfaces is another important consideration. The open stance works well on all surfaces, but you might find it particularly useful on clay courts, where sliding is easiest. On other surfaces, you might want to practice sliding in order to reliably reach difficult balls.

As you play, practice transitioning between stances during rallies. Start with your open stance for powerful groundstrokes, then switch to a closed stance for a delicate drop shot. This versatility will make you a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the mental aspect of incorporating the open stance. It requires confidence to stay sideways to the net and trust in your ability to generate power from this position. Spend time visualizing successful open stance shots and build your confidence through consistent practice.

Conclusion

Wow, what a journey we’ve been on exploring the tennis open stance! From understanding its power-packed benefits to mastering the technique, you’re now armed with the knowledge to revolutionize your game. Remember, perfecting the open stance isn’t just about following steps – it’s about feeling the rhythm, embracing the balance, and unleashing your inner tennis warrior!

As you head out to the courts to practice, keep in mind that consistency is key. Don’t get discouraged if it feels a bit awkward at first; even the pros had to start somewhere. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon find yourself gliding across the court, returning shots you never thought possible.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your racket, hit the courts, and show the world what you’re made of! Who knows? With your newfound open stance mastery, you might just become the next tennis sensation. Game, set, match – now go out there and dominate!