GOOD FORM IN TENNIS DEFINITION

Articles In This Section:

· GOOD FORM IN TENNIS DEFINITION

· PURPOSE

· METHODS OF PLACING THE BALL

· ACCOMMODATION

· STREAMLINED TENNIS

· Implications for the Beginner

Good form in tennis, as in swimming, golf, or other sports activities, is a variable quality which defies definition. It appears in various shapes according to the personality and physique of the individual player. The terms that apply to good form tennis stroke production are ease, rhythm, balance, efficiency, power. ACCURACY and SPEED are essential in the good stroke. Players achieve these qualities in their strokes by devious methods. The types of strokes that seem most natural and suit their physiques and personalities are best. An example of variation in a "good form" tennis stroke is the use of the circular and the straight backswing. It is more natural for some players to lift their racquets back, as in preparation for batting or throwing a baseball. For others, the natural back-swing will be a straight throw-back of the racquet, at the height at which they intend to hit the ball. We see national champions of both varieties, although the majority of the top notch players use the circular backswing. Another variation is the amount of wrist action used in a stroke. Some players use a great deal of wrist snap with rather a short arm swing. Others use a long arm sweep with less wrist action. The important thing is to have a swift, low drive that lands deep in the backcourt.

As long as the strokes are accurate and forceful, and the player is well balanced, untiring and efficient, we may say "good form" is present in his tennis game.