Skip to content

V — Vestibular / VOR

Why does my head move? Keep chin fixed, head still through the entire swing. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) stabilizes gaze when the head moves — but if the head moves, VOR can't compensate perfectly at tennis speed.

The Rule

Chin tucked, head still, eyes parked. The head is the platform.

Why It Matters

  • Head movement = VOR disruption = unstable racket face at contact
  • Chin up = cervical extension = loss of spinal stability = power leak
  • Head still = vestibular quiet = better Q, better V, better everything

Key Cue

"Chin tucked, head still."

Training Drill

  1. Shadow swing with chin tucked against collar — feel the lock
  2. Hit balls focusing only on head stability — film side view
  3. Add perturbation — partner nudges, you maintain head position

Common Errors

  • Chin lifting on backswing: Opens face, breaks VOR
  • Head pulling off contact early: Loses face control
  • Eyes moving independently of head: Breaks Q-V coupling

Chapter 9: Vestibular Stability →