The third rectification method in this series is the open stance method. When you use the open stance forehand, the legs cannot be used in a graceful way to stabilize the body during the rectification of the rotation induced during the acceleration stage. In short, you are likely to be thrown off balance and will have to use some awkward method to maintain stability. Just how awkward is illustrated below in the professional examples. In the staged video below, we have maintained balance only because the racquet is not being rotated at high speeds. If it were, the left foot would come off the ground as the right leg was extended upward from its initial crouched position.

Open Stance Rectification of the Upper Arm Rotation

Dial-Up Modem

Because it is an open stance, it is very difficult to shift the weight to the left foot as would occur for a closed stance. The rotation of the body and upper arm begin to throw the body off balance, and this must be countered by pushing up forcefully with the right foot as it is straightened out and extending the left foot outward by bending at the knee. The force of this motion can be so great that the entire body lifts off the ground, giving the appearance that the player is jumping into the ball, when in fact they are only doing what they must to maintain balance and move the racquet toward the ball.

Professional Examples

In the examples below, we see eight instances of rectification using the open stance. In all cases, the right foot has been used as the pivot to rectify the acceleration, and the left foot is used, to varying degrees, to maintain balance by countering the equal but opposite forces on the body this shot imposes. This is the nature of the open stance forehand. In the event you are using the open stance when you are returning a particularly fast ball, you can be knocked off balance backward as seen in the figure top row far left. If you happen to be too far from the ball (top row second from right) it will take considerable body strength to maintain sufficient racquet control to keep the ball in play.

Copyright notice: The rights for commercial use of the photos on this page have been obtained from the originator of the photos: Sportfiles. Original clear 4x6 copies of these photos can be obtained at http://sportfiles.com/ for $2.00 each. Disclaimer: The use of any photos for commentary does not imply the endorsement of the content of this website by the individual depicted.

The bottom row shows examples of using the open stance forehand in an offensive mode. Exercises to develop body control consist in standing on one leg and swinging the racquet while maintaining balance. All exercises should be approached with caution. EASI Tennis is not responsible for any injuries sustained while doing any exercises we describe.