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Strokemaster
STROKE MASTER
Few players have boasted such long-term consistency as Tomas Berdych – an achievement helped by effective ground strokes like this classy backhand volley. A trio of images helps highlights the stroke's strength.
What do you see? Hitting arm has extended slightly through contact Shoulders are perpendicular to the net, with arms separating through contact Full face of the racquet meets the oncoming ball Contact point is well in front, with racquet head remaining above wrist Forward body momentum is evident through contact
Front foot meets the ground post contact, helping to maximise the use of momentum Racquet remains on the hitting side of the body Continental grip with racquet head nicely supported by the non-dominant hand
Arms have completely separated, helping to keep the shoulders appropriately positioned
Racquet face positioned above wrist with all strings presented to the oncoming ball
Tall posture maintained upon landing
Body weight exclusively on the left leg, which will assist forward momentum. This body weight transfer means less racquet work is required, thus reducing the margin for contact error Shoulders and racquet have turned together as a unit Hitting arm extended away for the body
Callum Beale, a former professional who achieved singles and doubles rankings on the ATP tour, is Tennis Australia’s Coach and Talent Development Manager in NSW. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science, Human Movement.
PRESENTED BY
www.tennis.com.au/coaches SEPTEMBER 2015 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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