Tennis Fitness, Conditioning And Your Forehand
Posted on
Filed Under Tennis Conditioning, Tennis Exercises
Proper tennis fitness plays a role in every aspect of your game. But perhaps need for a high level of tennis fitness and conditioning than when using your forehand drive. This is the opening offensive show in nearly everyone’s tennis game. But it’ not just tennis fitness and conditioning that are needed (although they are an essential element). Proper footwork is also a key factor.
When the ball is a short distance away, advance the foot that is furthest away from the shot first and position yourself for that firm powerful forehand swing. Foot and body position is key. To close to the ball and you’ll cut your swing power potential at least in half regardless of your strength training. Too far from the ball and you get the same result. You want the ball and the sweet spot of your racket to meet, maximizing the power and making full use of your strength and conditioning.
Your forehand drive is made up of one continuous swing of the racquet but that can be divided up into three distinct phases:
1. The back swing which ultimately determines the speed of the stroke and therefor the power of the shot.
2. The short quick portion of the swing immediately in front of your body. This determines the direction and pace of the shot.
3. The follow through which determines the amount of top spin or slice you put on the ball. Again, your exercise regime and tennis conditioning play a large role in the effectiveness of all three portion of your forehand.
All of your forehand drives should have depth, that is you want them to use the full length of your opponents side of the court. You definitely want your forehand to hit beyond the service line and ideally halfway or more between the service line and the backcourt end line. But don’t always aim for the same length of your forehand drive. mix it up both in depth and direction.
Those are the basics of a successful forehand drive. A large amount of the success of your forehand will depend on your conditioning. Are you doing tennis specific exercises regularly? Are you keeping your tennis conditioning and aerobic capacity at least above average? Do you have a written weekly tennis fitness regime that you follow?.
Remember, with tennis matches often lasting 2, 3 or more hours, it’s not always the player with the best skills that comes out on top. Proper condition can beat superior skills in long matches.
This instructional set is one of the best available on putting together a tennis exercise, conditioning and fitness program for you skill level and age. Check it out.
Comments
Leave a Reply
-
Improve Your Game!!
-
