Pivot and Hips to Create More Power

Having an efficient swing comes from the ground up. Establishing an efficient motion from the base of where your feet get set (ground) all the way to the follow through (up). This connection of energy is called the kinetic chain and you can probably feel that “flow” in other sports as well. Lets take a look at the power originating from your feet which then connects to your hips. Some players wonder why they are not getting enough power and this could be a step towards solving that problem.

How to pivot: Face your hips towards the sideline and point the toe of your back foot towards the sideline. If you were on the tennis court your back foot should be parallel with the tennis court baseline. Make a bug squashing motion with the ball of your back foot. The tread of your shoe should now be showing towards the back wall.

If you pivot your back foot you start a chain of energy which then makes the hip snap forward. Try it to pivot right now. Repeat this on both sides and keep your upper body relaxed. If you have noticed that your arms are swaying forward this is good! If not then make sure your upper body is completely relaxed. Practicing hip pivots on both sides is very important so you are comfortable creating ambidextrous power from the ground up.

Advanced Pivoting:

Being comfortable pivoting in different tennis stances taking it to another level but will only increase your tennis game. Try pivoting with an open stance so your back foot is closer to the sideline than your front foot. Keep your center of gravity balanced as you pivot. Repeat on both sides so you cover both forehand and backhand.