[tennisbiz] Re: Loop Swing vs. Straight Back Swing for Groundstrokes

<x-flowed>Alan, Ann and the others,

I think the students fall into at least four major categories:

1. Those who learn by watching: they usually end up imitating the teacher's
swing. Here in the U.S. it is the "ball feeding swing" of the pro who stands
still with the basket. You know: no legs, no hips, no shoulders, no
whatsoever. I guess it really doesn't matter what the pro is telling the
student to do during the act - the "ball feeding swing" will be there.

2. Those with an exceptional kinetic and spatial imagination and mind-body
coordination. They can pick up any swing and then use the least tiring one
(mostly for the laziness sake).

3. Those with their own movement patterns. Think about Steffi Graf's
forehand as an example. I guess teaching them any swings is just a waste of
time.

4. "Robots". They will practice the swing you show them for years to come.
Usually they will never figure out what playing by the feel is about.

Then you have those other categories and hundreds more or less funny "cases"
you can tell stories about.

So..
My universal approach is:

You can't say the "A" swing is better or has more advantages then the "B" or
"C" swings. Your task is to find the one or ones that work for the
particular individual. By the way, you need to make sure you can not only
demonstrate the type of swing you are teaching at the moment but also play
it consistently in the rallies.
Have also on your mind: like the grip you can use different swings for
diferent surfaces, strokes, balls, ball bounces, speeds, angles, etc.

Alek Wrzeszcz
Austin, Texas
USPTA, USTA, also Polish Tennis Association

"Never ever feed the balls from the basket during the lesson! Use a ball
machine instead! Always hit with your students to get them feel the game!"
 
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Received on Fri Aug 03 2001 - 10:39:12 CDT