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Tahoe tennis: Footwork, balance, timing key to consistency on the court

Serena Quarelli
IVGID Tip
Serena Quarelli emphasizes the dos and dont's of proper tennis footwork.
Courtesy IVGID |

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Sometimes it’s just time to change a few things in your game. Tennis is all about footwork and balance, and if you don’t have either your tennis will suffer.

Good footwork and balance helps you achieve more power and a smoother swing motion, which helps with consistency.

When I was first learning and teaching footwork, it was OK for your front foot to step across or in front of the back foot. But now this is a big no-no.



The pictures show what not to do: Step across your back foot.

And what to do, which is:



Weight starts on the back foot — when the racquet is back the weight is back.

When you swing the racquet forward, the weight transfers forward — first through the hips, then the shoulders. And you’ll end up with the body facing the net, weight on the front foot and balanced with a good follow through.

If you step across, none of this can happen.

So good luck, and remember: Practice makes perfect, and fun gets it done.

Also, if you haven’t bought a new racket for four years or more, it may be time to change that too! The new rackets and strings make hitting easier and provide power as well as consistency. The Incline Tennis Center has demo rackets and ball machines to help you come in and try out a few.

Serena Quarelli is the Director of Tennis & Teaching Pro for the Incline Village Tennis Center. For information on tennis programs or to sign up for a lesson, visit InclineTennis.com or call 775-832-1235.


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