Comparing the Open and Closed Stances

In tennis what is opinion and what is really fact? The quantitative study of the tennis is in its infancy, but it has the potential to change how we understand the game. What can be measured in tennis and what does it really mean? Are your most cherished beliefs about how to hit the ball actually true?

A number of pioneering researchers have done quantitative studies of the strokes, as well as other areas of the game. But their results remain largely unknown in the teaching and playing communities.

In this article, we’ll start to take a look at some of the existing quantitative research, try to summarize it in language any player can understand, and see what questions are raised, what questions are answered, and what remains unclear and grounds for future investigation.

The first work we’ll look at is a study of the differences in the open stance and closed stance forehand, completed by Duane Knudson, professor of physical education and exercise science at California State University, Chico.

The open stance forehand is dominant in the modern pro game. It’s commonly believed that the open stance produces more racquethead speed, more topspin, and more torso rotation. But what…