Ethan Gale Forehand

Balance is a key component in any sport as it is vital in being able to perform well. Balance is important in tennis as it allows the performer to be able to play the required stroke effectively and efficiently, Balance is comprised up of three key features, base of support, line of gravity and centre of gravity. If all three of these features are used correctly, then the required shot can be properly executed. The image to the right analyses the three features of balance when I play the forehand. It is evident that my base of support is very narrow whereas, it should be around shoulder width. This does not allow me to set myself up for the forehand and therefore, my power and accuracy will be greatly affected. My line and centre of gravity fall outside of my body, this is because of my narrow base of support which has caused me to have to reach and lean over to hit the ball. Because my line and centre of gravity are outside my body I am unbalanced and will not be able to execute the shot with great power or accuracy. This is because as I’m unbalanced I have to reach to make the shot therefore, the shot will be ‘loopy’ or just hit the net. The second image is of Rafael Nadal's balance when he plays a forehand shot. This is what a player’s balance should look like starting with a wide base of support to set him up for the shot. Following that his line and centre of gravity fall down the middle of his body as he has correctly set himself up for the shot and is in a good position to play a forehand.