ETI 005 Holding your finishDownload this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer
Holding your finish for just a moment clarifies your balance as well as the quality of your stroke and follow thru.
Further, this method has been used by so many famous coaches – Tom Stow, Robert Lansdorp and more. It will help you as well.
Stow remarked that if the stroke started correctly (balanced on the back foot with a compact but loose preparation) and finished correctly (weight shifted forward and arm well extended toward the target) then everything between the start and finish – meaning contact – would be just fine.
And similarly I have seen videos of the young Pete Sampras on court with Lansdorp, holding the finish on his forehand for what seemed like an exaggerated time.
If you take to this drill, see if you can lightly tap the back foot (not hammer but lightly tap) while holding the finish, were Tom around he would say, “Nice work.”
13 Comments
walter
July 29, 2011thanks jim – i like your style of teaching, nice and steady very relaxed, make it all look so easy. walt uk
Whisper
July 26, 2011More hip rotation with that semi-western Jim :p
Seriously though, this is great learning tip, especially for the beginners out there, as it gets them finishing their shots correctly, and it becomes immediately apparent when they don’t finish properly, which indicates that they haven’t swung properly, and more importantly, allows them the FEEL the difference between the correct swing and the incorrect swing.
The only downside I see to this teaching technique, is the fact that it has a tendency to promote ball watching after the shot has been hit, instead of recovering immediately the stroke has finished.
Anyway, it is a great tip, one that I have used myself with great success with my own students and one I would recommend to many people out there if they’re trying to improve or correct their swing.
Cheers
Whisper
Rolando M. Lagarto
July 20, 2011Fantastic Jim! I never thought of that but really it’s very true. All I’ve done as per lessons I’ve seen in the past; swing early – hit the ball right in front of the left toe(forehand) & vice versa – racket finish should be at the back for both f/b side. I’ll give it a try this weekend. Thanks again, God bless & Shalom…
Rodger Schuester
July 20, 2011Surprising how much time you have if you hit a good shot. :-)))
Stefan N
July 20, 2011THANKS ! I think this advise is totaly connected with the rythm advise = use the Ground. Good balance it’s possible with only with a good rythm. Good rythm it’s possible only with good balance. Here are the roots of unforced errors. I’ve practice “How to use the Ground” and now I know what cause my UE. It’s crucial. Without balance & rithm it’s no improuvement.
I can imagin the feeling.
Another great key, similar with the keys for a killer serve.
Thank you Jim !
Jim McLennan
July 20, 2011Stefan – thanks and keep me posted
Jim
Rodger Schuester
July 20, 2011I know this is really critical and, in fact, that is what helped me break through to getting my one-handed backhand into my matches. I think this helps on eye contract, rhythm, in the moment, relaxation, etc.
Jim McLennan
July 20, 2011Rodg – but be careful not to hold too long if you are in the heat of a match – and all of this is courtesy Tom Stow
best
Jim
Jerome
July 20, 2011I think that it’s actually a good idea to teach beginners the old fashioned finish for a while. If they can hold the finish that way they can feel the body has to follow the racket… untill only the toe of the backfoot touches the ground.
In short: I think it is not always a good idea to teach beginners to copy the pro’s immediately.
Stella
July 20, 2011In the modern game, I believe holding the balance is in fact letting the forward rotation go out of range while the head is turned backward prior to and immediately after the point of contact. The opposite rotation of the head is to counter-balance the forward core rotation for dynamic balance. Roger Federer does it really well. His head looks frozen for a split second after impact as he lets the opposite rotations go out of range to minimize energy lost throughout the striking process.
Roberto Bloise
July 20, 2011Good reminder. Thank you Jim.
Glenn Beinfest
July 20, 2011As always, your advise is “spot on “…thanks
Jim McLennan
July 20, 2011Glenn
thanks
Jim
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