Balance

BALANCE: THE SECOND KEY ELEMENT

Balance begins with the natural ready position, where the racket rests calmly across the body. This position may subtly shift from day to day, as muscles and tendons adapt to use and recovery. Awareness of these changes is crucial for maintaining stability throughout the match.

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Timing Movement: Racket Before Feet

When preparing to hit—especially when returning big serves—it’s essential to move the racket before the feet. There’s often not enough time to fully step into the ball, so initiating with the racket ensures you’re prepared to react with precision.

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Find Your ‘Happy Position’

Balance isn’t just about footwork—it’s about spatial awareness. One critical factor is the ball’s height relative to your body. Most players prefer to strike the ball at waist height, moving slightly forward into the bounce. I call this the ‘Happy Position’—a zone where your body can naturally coordinate to deliver maximum efficiency and power.

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Balance in the Serve: Power Starts from the Ground

On the serve, balance becomes even more vital. Begin by keeping your weight on the back foot during the toss. Then, drive that energy up and into the ball, shifting your weight through the shot for optimal power. This progression is what creates a ‘heavy ball’—one that carries your full body weight into the strike.

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Whisperer Tip:

Mastering balance allows for:

• Consistent timing

• Effective weight transfer

• Greater power and shot depth

• Fewer unforced errors under pressure

In short, balance is what connects physical technique with competitive success. Focus on it, and your entire game becomes more stable, more explosive, and more reliable.

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