Open Stance Backhand
Over the past 20 years the game of tennis has changed dramatically. Improved training methods and advances in racket technology have challenged players to adjust tactics and technique in order to be successful. The open-stance backhand is one for the following reasons:
- To help players deal with the increased power on serves and ground strokes by creating a loading of the large muscle groups during the preparation phase;
- To produce an aggressive counter-punching shot and/or neutralizing shot when rushed by quickly loading the large muscle groups. The open-stance footwork helps stabilize the lateral movement for optimum balance;
- To shorten the recovery time after the hit;
- To have the flexibility to produce a variety of shots (e.g., angles, counter-punching drives, neutralizing loops) that would otherwise force the player to use a slice and/or hit a defensive reply.
The OPEN STANCE BACKHAND is most commonly used on:
- return of serve;
- powerful shots out wide to the backhand (not on the dead run)
- passing shots when rushed.
Players with one-handed backhands are also using the open stance, although not to the same extent. It should also be noted that the classic “squared stance,” stepping forward and transferring the weight into the shot, is the footwork of choice by virtually all top professionals in most situations.
