'The Load'... Use your legs to generate your power

One of the foundations of good groundstrokes involves 'loading and unloading' your weight into the shot...! 

Loading on the left foot

In this photo you can see I have 'found' the ball and am pointing to it with my right shoulder.  Notice my weight is firmly on my left foot as I am about to step in and transfer my energy into the stroke from the ground up.  Timing is everything with tennis shots.  If your backhand is your weaker shot, try these simple tips:

Next time you go out to hit with a friend, or even to play a practice match, purpose to start all your rallys with a backhand feed.  Most players are used to starting every rally with a forehand stroke. But if your backhand needs attention, by starting every practice rally with the backhand allows you one additional controlled practice situation on the backhand side every rally.

Unloading on the right foot

The more repetitions you have will increase your muscle memory and your consistency.   If you need help on a particular shot I would be happy to work with you.  Contact me at 713-818-9109 voice mail or text message.  You can also visit me at my website:  http://chadwelltennis.com

Happy Tennis...!

Coach Sam Chadwell

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Chadwell Tennis

Columbia Lakes Tennis Center

Flextennis Houston

Roger Federer -Slow Motion

You will love this short Roger Federer video... Here are Coach Sam's observations:

Watch how Roger is constantly moving his feet.

Notice Roger's 'split - step'.

 Check out his recovery movement as he gets back in position following each shot. Notice how he 'stalks' the ball. See how he loads up his weight as he sets up...?

 Check out the shape of his swings: round, circular strokes, always lifting and pulling across the body. Watch his swing speed: slow at the beginning then accelerating to the finish.

There is much more to point out, but this is enough to concentrate on for our first video critique session!  I welcome your comments and questions. Email me at Coachsam@chadwelltennis.com



 Here are a few other things to watch out for: Notice the ease at which Roger hits while moving forward and backward. Friends it is possible, and many times NECESSARY to be able to strike the ball as you are backing up. You do NOT have to step into every shot! I am a firm believer that up and coming players (young and old) need to watch clips like this one over and over to get a visual idea of how its done by the best in the business.

 I plan to add this video technology to my 'coaching bag' in the very near future. Look for Video Camps and Clinics coming soon at the Columbia Lakes Tennis Center and Alvin Community College...!

 See you on the courts soon!

 Coach Sam Chadwell,

  http://chadwelltennis.com

 http://flextennis.com