Just got this reply about the video I produced…….oh about a year ago.
Watch the video to get the vibe (it’s only a minute long).
Ok, here is the comment in question.
“Anyone who mimics the pros will be a generation behind. Teach the kids the basics ( closed/neutral stance) and their games will be adaptable to changes in techniques & playing styles.”
Now….
How does that work exactly?? This is exactly the kind of thinking that KEEPS players a generation behind!! How do you think players progress over the years?? They grow up following the icons of day and take on and then move on.
Nowadays, you routinely teach the drive volley to kids learning tennis as this is a shot used by all top players nowadays. That would not have been the case 30 years ago but ever since the 1990′s players have employed this shot regularly and therefore it has been taught. With that said many coaches these days still see it as a “speciality shot” only to be attempted once you have got the “training wheels” off and are a “proper player”.
Let’s bring it in even closer and look at the sister shot of the tennis forehand – the backhand.
Now, I know that 30+ years ago you would have been introduced to the sliced backhand early on because that’s the way the game was played (lots more low bouncing grass courts around then), before progressing to the single handed drive (this is why we call the game of Roger Federer…….classical).
Nowadays, the process is so different, with the backhand drive the first/main version of the shot you would be exposed to and it’s double handed that is the main choice for coaches these days.
Is this anything to do with the fact that the double handed backhand has become more popular over the years and that everywhere you look on the T.V. players are playing with 2 hands on the backhand?
I think so………it’s why the game of Rafa Nadal is seen as the archetypal modern tennis player – it’s called progress & evolution.
I could go on & on and yes I know you use different stances throughout the course of a match (that’s why your tennis footwork has to be so good and is so important) but the point I wanted to make was that you can’t ignore what goes on at the top of the game and anyone telling you that is in fact telling you one of the Big 3 Myths Of Tennis.
Surely this is obvious now??
So, you have 2 things to do for me.
1. Give me your take on it.
2. I am pretty much ready with a series of videos etc aimed at helping people with their forehands but I want to know what people feel they need help with/want to see so I don’t leave anything out…….so add this on as well.
Thanks!!
Authors bio is coming up shortly. 
