Spacing: Part 4

To develop your feel for spacing, start by hitting approaches from a few feet inside the baseline. In the previous part of the series we looked at slices--but much of what was described applied to shots where players are moving laterally. Let's look at ways to understand and utilize spacing where the movement is more forward, parallel or at least somewhat parallel to the sideline. As we discussed, there are times when more or less sidespin mixed with underspin can make an approach shot more effective. So I have my students practice hitting different drives and slice approaches from a few feet inside the baseline to a bit inside the service line. On the approach move through the shot, hit off the outside foot with a semi-open stance, then take a step forward with that same outside foot. When you practice this, it is important that you move through your shot. Footwork patterns are critical to finding good spacing. In most cases, the best way to do this is to step with your outside foot forward and to the side on your last right footed step on a forehand and your last left footed step on a backhand. If you...