Have a Question for Me?

[dpremsagar]

How much of straight in bent-straight?

In the 2HBH, it seems most ATP players are using the bent-straight model. After going through various backhand sections and experimentation, I've figured this is good for me (male) as well.

The question I have is, how straight does the left arm need to be? Looking closely at Djokovic's BH, I'm not convinced he uses a fully straight left arm. There seems to be a minimal bend. I will not disagree with the terminology of bent-straight because in WTA style bent-bent, the bend with left elbow is cystal clear at about 90 degrees.

But for a club player (me), what would be optimum? When the racquet head changes direction, do I straighten my left arm fully so that it cannot be extended further? Or do I leave just a little bit of flex?

Fully straightening my arm has caused me golfer's elbow in the past which has gone away now. If this indeed is the way to go in order to maximize racquet head speed and control, I'll do it.

Or since this is off-season, I might tinker and add a TINY bit of bend in my 'straight arm' depending on the replies here.

[johnyandell]

Ok or narrow platform...

[klacr]

So for Roddick and Monfils..."Pinform" it is.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[johnyandell]

I think that the sliding is the key point because of how it affects the hip and sometimes shoulder rotation at the start of the motion.

[gzhpcu]

I'd think feet apart: platform, feet together: pinpoint. Though by starting with the feet together you lose forward momentum.

[klacr]

I would argue that Monfils and Roddick are something other than platform or pinpoint. Could we call this stance a "pinform" stance?

I could accept and understand that argument since they don't technically bring their back foot up but instead begin in a narrow stance. But what defines a pinpoint? The location of both feet together at contact or sliding the back foot up during the motion?

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[lobndropshot]

Pinpoint: Isner, Krajicek, Ivanisevic, Arthurs, Stich, Roddick, Lopez, Tanner, Rusedski, Monfils, Tsonga, Ljubicic, Phillipoussis, del Potro, LaCroix

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

I would argue that Monfils and Roddick are something other than platform or pinpoint. Could we call this stance a "pinform" stance?

[klacr]

A good question but so far as I know no one has tried to measure it. The big issue with the women who are close to 100% pinpoint is the early hip rotation.
My take on it is here. But it can't be that the pinpoint is completely useless considering how many good servers have used it. Just wonder how much better they might be/have been. Isner??

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/...body_rotation/

Pinpoint: Isner, Krajicek, Ivanisevic, Arthurs, Stich, Roddick, Lopez, Tanner, Rusedski, Monfils, Tsonga, Ljubicic, Phillipoussis, del Potro, LaCroix

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[johnyandell]

A good question but so far as I know no one has tried to measure it. The big issue with the women who are close to 100% pinpoint is the early hip rotation.
My take on it is here. But it can't be that the pinpoint is completely useless considering how many good servers have used it. Just wonder how much better they might be/have been. Isner??

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/teaching_systems/john_yandell/body_rotation/

[gzhpcu]

John, just wondering about platform vs pinpoint stance on serve:

What is the difference between shouder rotation and torsion of shoulders in respect to the hips? It would seem to me that bringing the right forward in the pinpoint stance creates more torque between shoulders and hips (more stretch shorten), whereas the platform more shoulder turn. Is that right?

[stotty]

Check this out and see what you think:

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/..._yandell/toss/

Great that Phil prompted me to run through this video article again. I just love the way Federer's tossing arm is locked throughout...yet totally relaxed. Just the best model out there.

[gzhpcu]

Excellent John. Sorry I missed it...

P.S. This type of toss also enables more shoulder rotation doesn't it?

[johnyandell]

Check this out and see what you think:

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/teaching_systems/john_yandell/toss/

[gzhpcu]

John, the toss on the serve is essential and most club players get it wrong. I think it would merit a prominent article. I know you did "The myth of the toss", but I feel it merits more emphasis, since it is a bit hidden there. Would you consider a lengthier, more detailed article, stressing more the movement of the tossing arm?

[johnyandell]

Basically any cheap tripod. Doesn't take much!