Secrets of Spanish Tennis: Footwork and Balance

Footwork and balance: a Spanish obsession. The Secrets of Spanish Tennis are the common, core elements that I have observed being taught across the country by different leading academies and coaches. I have tried to harmonize the varied approaches that can be found across the country into simple elements that all coaches, parents, and players around the world can learn and assimilate into their own training systems. I've often remarked that the Spanish way is like the Buddhism religion, which historically spread rapidly throughout Asia and the rest of the world due to its ease of assimilation and adaptability to other religions. So in the next articles let's look at some of these adaptable secrets, starting with footwork and balance. Footwork and balance are an obsession for Spanish coaches. The great Spanish coach Lluis Bruguera has said, "Without balance, a player cannot be consistent and will lose confidence ." The top academies and coaches relentlessly drill their players to move quickly, fluidly, and to get in position. Why has footwork become such an obsession in Spanish coaching circles? Spanish tennis celebrates red clay, a second teacher. Two thoughts. First, it probably has something to do with a European culture that...