The great players have always been very good at getting back into position very quickly after hitting a shot. As we watch tennis we tend to follow the ball and fail to watch how these pros use the most efficient way to recover. Great athletes make good tennis players because they have the innate ability to change direction and keep good balance.
Lets go over the recovery footwork after hitting a wide forehand. First the body must come to a stop in order to change direction. The modern way is to hit the forehand with an open stance. This accomplishes two things, it stops the bodys momentum and ones body weight is already transferring back to center before the stroke is finished.
Even with a closed or neutral stance on the forehand the next thing to do is square up. This means to quickly get the body in a ready position with the shoulders, hips and feet facing the net squarely. To do this from a neutral or close stance one must come off the ground and let the legs and toes point to the net. Another method is for the back leg (right leg) come around and catch the bodys balance and stop its momentum.
After squaring up one must pick up the inside leg (left leg for right-handers), step out towards the center and jump off that leg. The back or right leg should come across the left and be the primary landing foot.
Try this at home by standing with toes, hips and shoulders facing one direction. Step out and jump off one leg and try to get the other leg to land as far as possible from the starting point. The farther you travel the faster your recovery will be on court.
After using this recovery step footwork, the next step is to slide the additional distance to your ideal recovery position on court.
Try watching the pros and see what method they use to recover. Occasionally youll see them just plain turn and run. This is because they are to far out of position and have no other choice.
Doug Hofer, USPTA September 30, 2004
