In this discussion, we take a detailed look at the transition itself. The transition is the combination of the rotation and acceleration stages. The challenge is to be able to execute the rotation stage in a manner that allows the acceleration stage to flow smoothly into the strike. The most critical aspect of this is to straighten out the acceleration as it enters into the strike stage. To do this might require flexing the body and arm.

Click on Image to See QuickTime Video of Critical Transition	Click on Image to See QuickTime Video of Critical Transition Error
Dial-Up Modem	Dial-Up Modem

These two flex movements are illustrated in the video above left. The video above right illustrates the most likely error that occurs without the flex.

Angle of body flex is shown in green	Angle of arm flex is shown in green

The body is flexed to one side as seen in the figure above left. This flex can vary with the grip, the ball position, and the individual, but its purpose does not vary. The flex of the arm is achieved by tilting the elbow forward (above right). As seen in the video above left, the two flexes enable the upper arm to rotate forward in a way that would let you throw the racquet forward toward the ball (at the strike stage) without it rotating in the air. On the other hand, the video on the right above demonstrates that, without the proper flexing of the body and arm, the upper arm rotation might be difficult or impossible to arrest, and so the racquet would continue rotating, resulting in a mishit, or worse, a shank.

Body Flex	Elbow Flex

In the next lesson, we look at this transition from several angles and analyze further details of its execution.