Style vs Basics
What is the difference between style and basics.
A basic is defined as: the essential facts or principles of a subject or skill. i.e. learning the basics of a business.
A style is defined as: a manner of doing something. i.e. he has a different style of management.
How do these two terms apply to tennis technique?
A basic is what the former three blogs dealt with: 1) racket back, 2) rotate or turn sideways to the incoming ball and 3) make contact with the ball to the side and front of the body position whenever possible.
Style is how each person, over time, adapts, through repetition, a specific way of movement in contacting the ball. An easy example would be to examine a forehand swing. Let’s look at a beginning junior player in the age range of 5 to 8. In taking the racket back (basic one) do they take the racket straight back, or take it back in a loop manner? What grip are they holding the racket with, an eastern, a western or a modified western grip? Does this affect the way they take the racket back? If they are shorter or taller, does this affect the grip and style of their backswing? Are they ready and able to grasp the concept of top spin or under spin? Does this affect their choice of grip and backswing?
Let’s examine some of the qualities in the older, higher level player. What is their personality like? Are they aggressive, or passive? If aggressive are they trying to hit a flatter ball due to their straight back swing using an eastern grip? If passive are they trying to hit with a lot of top spin with a western grip? Are they taller of shorter? Are they quick in their movement or slow footed?
All these, and more, have much to do with style. In teaching I have developed a philosophy that favors basics over style. I have centered my focus, in teaching, on the basics and have allowed the style to develop to the personality of the player.
Have you given thought to your ‘style’ of hitting versus the ‘basics’ of preparation?
