I'm 67 and a former college player. I've played USTA Leagues/tournaments for about 45 years (from 5.0 when I was 24 to 4.0 level now). My foot rotation ability is poor but I can make circles fairly well. I've noticed my footwork and ability to engage my legs is directly related to the time I have to hit the ball. When using a ball machine I hit like a 4.5 player. But in playing a match with hard-hitters I'm too often out of position to hit the optimum shot. I think I need to focus more on agility drills....maybe you can post a video of what you recommend.
Interesting exercises / assessment. The exercises look a lot like Pilates : ) My two cents re the topic. In my own experience I've found it more fruitful to focus on the feet and legs than to think about the hips. Here's why: when we focus on hip movement we tend to plant our back / loading foot down and push from the heel. But to get that effortless power on groundies & the serve, I've found it much more effective to think about the ball of the foot and pushing like a jumpshot, or maybe like hopping w a skateboard or bike. The kinetic chain is a lot like the jumpshot or free throw. They both work a lot better when the heels are off the ground. If I think about push w the balls of my feet like I'm squashing a giant bug or an old tennis ball, then rne quick transfer of momentum happens much more quickly. I wonder what you think.
I think whatever coaching cue works best for each person is the one to go for. It’s great that you’ve found something that works 😀 Regardless of cuing, the level of coordination is still extremely important.
HOW TO USE BRAIN BASED TRAINING TO BECOME A MORE SKILLFUL TENNIS PLAYER, SO YOU CAN PLAY AT A HIGHER LEVEL.
tennishacker.krtra.com/t/1SmNaHz7o2dT
I'm 67 and a former college player. I've played USTA Leagues/tournaments for about 45 years (from 5.0 when I was 24 to 4.0 level now). My foot rotation ability is poor but I can make circles fairly well. I've noticed my footwork and ability to engage my legs is directly related to the time I have to hit the ball. When using a ball machine I hit like a 4.5 player. But in playing a match with hard-hitters I'm too often out of position to hit the optimum shot. I think I need to focus more on agility drills....maybe you can post a video of what you recommend.
Interesting exercises / assessment. The exercises look a lot like Pilates : )
My two cents re the topic. In my own experience I've found it more fruitful to focus on the feet and legs than to think about the hips. Here's why: when we focus on hip movement we tend to plant our back / loading foot down and push from the heel. But to get that effortless power on groundies & the serve, I've found it much more effective to think about the ball of the foot and pushing like a jumpshot, or maybe like hopping w a skateboard or bike.
The kinetic chain is a lot like the jumpshot or free throw. They both work a lot better when the heels are off the ground. If I think about push w the balls of my feet like I'm squashing a giant bug or an old tennis ball, then rne quick transfer of momentum happens much more quickly.
I wonder what you think.
I think whatever coaching cue works best for each person is the one to go for. It’s great that you’ve found something that works 😀
Regardless of cuing, the level of coordination is still extremely important.
Hi Richard, it sounds more like hip extension (glutes) than rotation to me. Doesn’t that really thrust the hip forward?
There’s not much info for people who have passed the rotation test