Footwork for forehand loop
Footwork
Andrew Pape Asked 12 years ago
Hi Alois,
I recently missed about 15 f/hand loops in a row, despite thinking my stroke was fine. I then looked down at my feet, and found the right foot (I'm a right-hander) was about 1/2->1 foot too far left of the ball. I needed to make a slight 1/2 step to the right to be in position to loop properly. I kept telling myself to move my feet, but they stayed rooted to the spot. The result has been mistakes but with the pro of getting some inswing on the ball, which troubles opponents. But I want to be consistent and play the right shot.
More recently, a coach saw me play and he told me the same thing: I need to make an extra 1/2 step before looping.
I'm wondering how to fix this. A Chinese coach says it's important to keep moving your body even if only a jiggle between shots. That could be the answer, but I have poor stamina, and cannot afford to waste energy this way. Presently, I already have long delays between points to get my breathing back.
I guess I could do side shuffles, although I think I'd get tired that way too. Maybe if I lowered my body some more I may be able to save energy and still get the footwork right. My feet are planted too heavily too, which doesn't help.
Is there any quick fix? Perhaps I should be thinking something during play to help move my feet?
Cheers,
Andrew.
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Andrew,
Perhaps if you focus on the balance of your body it will give you some cues to follow. When you are not talking that half step your body will feel like it is on a bit of a lean when you contact the ball. It needs to feel like everything is lined up and your wight is on both feet evenly. Focus on this while you are hitting and see if it helps.
Other than that it sounds like it is more footwork training to get the right feelings when you are moving.
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No Spin Loop
The no spin loop is a good variation that can be effective even at the highest level. Watch as we show you how to get this stroke right.
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Andrew Pape Posted 12 years ago
Hi Alois,
I haven't corrected the technique just yet, but noticed the icon for your training secrets dvd. I watched a preview and the material seemed to be covered in the 52 lessons from last year. I guess some people will just buy the dvd and not subscribe to p/skills. So I'm wondering if there's enough different material on the dvd to warrant buying it, or whether to re-watch last year's videos.
Thanks for the advice above. I just tried a shadow movement, and could tell immediately that you were right. I'll work on it!
Cheers,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Training Secrets goes through different drills and explains them and their purpose. It shows the different Footwork drills, Match drills and how to choose a drill. It covers Games ideas that you can use. It also talks about structuring your training session, service practice and the Action Plan.
If you feel comfortable with those areas then you should just stay with the 52 lessons. Hope this helps.
Ji-Soo Woo Posted 12 years ago
Andrew
I think you hit the nail on the head when you noted your lack of stamina.
For years I've been struggling with the same issue as you. During that time I had addressed it purely as a mental problem. I argued that tension and nerves were stopping me from making the slight footwork adjustment. I've finally accepted that it's at least as much the fault of poor stamina.
Poor stamina really mucks your game in a number of different ways. For me, it makes me try to conserve energy and to finish points and matches off quickly. This meant, too many times, instead of adjusting my position to the best position to hit a high percentage topspin loop with a good arc, I was just waiting for the ball in bad position and then sort of trying to jump into the right position at the last moment and then trying to blast a flat low percentage shot for a winner. Needess to say this was rather disastrous. And if a match went the distance and had long rallies I'd become more desperate, worrying about my ability to finish the match and how I'll be for the next one.
Last couple of weeks, I've therefore been doing some hard cardiovascular training, and I've already seen a big improvement in my footwork. I'm also happy to hit sensible shots and engage in long rallies, and I no longer fear 5 setters and long nights of pennant competition. If possible, this would be the best solution.
andrew brand Posted 12 years ago