Shadow Swing

Improve your tennis game at home

To Shadow Swing is to practice the stroke’s movements without a ball and racket, ‘hand tennis’.  It ‘s the very best way of learning a new movement or adjusting your stroke technique. 

To rehearse the model swing start the shadow swing from the ready position focusing your attention on the heels, hips, and head being centred as you practise. Stay balanced throughout the swing

Take your time don’t rush.  See if you can learn each movement individually and then put the movements together in a fluid, rhythmical stroke.  To begin with you may feel very mechanical and a bit silly, especially if you are being watched :).  As the movements become habitual the muscles will relax more and you will begin to swing more effortlessly with greater efficiency.

In the follow through, stop on balance.  From your nose to your toes you want to be facinng the imaginary net post.

When you shadow swing don't add extra movements to the stroke.  Bigger longer strokes tend to be less reliable because there are more variables involved and a greater chance to mistime.

Practise in slow as in tai chi.

Notice what you did well,  which movement within the whole movement could improve.  When we notice our own mistakes and correct them we learn and improve!

Learn the grips

The Forehand Ground Stroke - Side view and back view of each check point