ART-408: Open Stance Backhand Drive
Executive Summary
The open stance backhand drive allows players to hit aggressive shots with minimal preparation time, making it essential for modern tennis. Power generation relies on core rotation and hip drive rather than forward weight transfer. Mastering this stance enables players to attack balls that would otherwise be defensive, facilitating an aggressive baseline game.
Body Position in the Open Stance
In the open stance, the feet remain roughly parallel to the baseline, with the body facing the net. The feet are typically shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with weight distributed evenly. The knees are bent, lowering the center of gravity and allowing the legs to drive upward into the shot.
The shoulders rotate during the take-back, coiling the upper body even though the feet remain fixed. This rotation is the primary source of power in the open stance. The hips also rotate, though less dramatically than in the closed stance. The core muscles transfer the rotational energy from the lower body to the upper body and racket.
The Role of Hip Rotation
Hip rotation drives the open stance backhand. As the player takes the racket back, the hips coil away from the net. During the forward swing, the hips rotate toward the net, pulling the shoulders and racket through the shot. The speed of this rotation determines the power of the shot.
Players with strong hip rotation generate more power in the open stance than those who rely primarily on arm strength. Developing hip mobility and rotational strength through targeted exercises improves the effectiveness of the open stance backhand.
Leg Drive in the Open Stance
Even without forward weight transfer, the legs contribute power through upward drive. The knees extend during the forward swing, adding lift to the shot. This upward drive helps clear the net and can produce a higher ball trajectory, which is useful for hitting over a tall opponent or creating a heavier bounce.
The leg drive also helps maintain balance. Because the open stance does not have the forward momentum of the closed stance, the player must actively drive upward to stay balanced through the shot. Players who collapse their legs during the open stance backhand lose both power and balance.
Arm and Racket Mechanics
The arm mechanics in the open stance are similar to those in the closed stance. The racket drops below the ball during the take-back, then swings low to high through contact. The wrist lags during the forward swing, releasing at contact to accelerate the racket head. The follow-through extends forward and upward.
One difference is that the open stance backhand often uses a slightly more compact swing because preparation time is limited. The take-back is shorter, relying more on body rotation than arm extension to generate power. This compactness helps the player hit the ball early, taking time away from the opponent.
When to Use the Open Stance Drive
The open stance drive is ideal when the player is moving laterally and does not have time to set a closed stance. It is also effective for hitting on the rise, where the ball is rising through the strike zone and a closed stance would require too much preparation. Additionally, the open stance is useful for approach shots, where the player wants to maintain forward momentum toward the net.
Players should be cautious about overusing the open stance. While it allows quick preparation, it sacrifices some power and stability compared to the closed stance. Using it exclusively leads to a predictable, somewhat passive game. The best players mix stances to keep opponents guessing.
Combining Open Stance with Slice
The open stance slice is a valuable defensive and transitional shot. The player can hit a slice without changing footwork, using the same open stance as the drive. The swing path changes from low to high to high to low, but the body position remains the same. This consistency in footwork allows the player to disguise the shot until late.
The open stance slice is particularly effective for wide balls, where the player must reach the ball quickly and does not have time to set a closed stance. The slice buys time for recovery while the player remains in a balanced position.
Common Open Stance Mistakes
One common mistake is failing to rotate the hips, resulting in an arm-dominated swing that lacks power. Another is standing too upright, which limits the leg drive and reduces the upward force. Some players also rush the swing, hitting the ball too far in front or too far behind the optimal contact point.
Players who struggle with the open stance often benefit from drills that emphasize hip rotation and leg drive. Practicing the open stance swing slowly, focusing on the rotational components, builds the muscle memory needed for effective execution at full speed.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shot lacks power | Arm-dominated, no hip rotation | Weak, defensive shot | Drill hip rotation; practice shadow swings emphasizing turn |
| Ball goes into the net | No leg drive or contact too far back | Net errors | Drive upward with legs; move contact point forward |
| Off-balance after shot | Collapsing legs or poor base | Poor recovery, weak next shot | Maintain knee bend; widen stance |
| Cannot hit on the rise | Slow preparation, late swing | Always hitting at peak or descending | Practice compact take-back; drill early contact |
| Predictable shot pattern | Always using same stance | Opponent anticipates direction | Mix closed and open stances; practice variety |
Practical Application: "The Hip Rotation Check"
During practice, have a partner watch your open stance backhand from behind. They should check whether your hips rotate toward the net during the forward swing. If your shoulders turn but your hips remain static, you are not using your core effectively. Practice the swing slowly, focusing on hip rotation, until it becomes automatic.