Using your whole body in tennis is one of the biggest game-changers, especially for power, control, and injury prevention. Here's how to break it down:
Why It Matters- Efficiency: You get more power without overusing your arm.
- Consistency: Smooth, full-body strokes are easier to repeat.
- Injury Prevention: Relying too much on your arm or wrist can lead to strain (e.g., tennis elbow).
- Bend your knees before every shot.
- Push off the ground to generate upward and forward force.
- Stay low and balanced for stability.
- Rotate your hips as you swing — this is where real power starts.
- Think of your hips leading the motion, especially on forehands and serves.
- Your abs and obliques connect the lower and upper body.
- Twist through your torso as you swing — this rotation adds torque and control.
- Let your shoulders turn during the backswing and uncoil during the forward swing.
- This helps lengthen your swing and generate topspin.
- Your arm should follow, not lead.
- Keep it relaxed so your swing can be smooth and fluid — like cracking a whip at the end of a chain of movement.
- A loose wrist allows for spin and finesse, especially on topspin or slice shots.
- Don't "muscle" the shot with your wrist — it should flow naturally at the end.
- Practice swings without a ball.
- Focus on each part of the motion: legs → hips → core → shoulder → arm → wrist.
- Record yourself — you'd be surprised how much you can improve by seeing your motion.