Developing Strokes: Power vs. Placement

Legend has it that Andre Agassi's father taught his young son by telling him to hit the ball as hard as he could to learn how to generate maximum power, then figure out how to get it in later. While this might be an exaggeration of the development of Agassi's strokes, it is common knowledge the youngster's early development did emphasize power, rather than simply correct biomechanics.

By going for maximum power, young Andre learned how to use his hips, rotate his upper body, how to time his uncoil, how to accelerate his wrist, how to find the optimal contact point and other mechanics which contributed to maximal power.

Should you develop your strokes using power and speed first, or should you develop a sound stroke at a slower pace first, then add pace after you have developed control over the stroke?

Most coaches agree that for most players, the stroke should be learned first, with power added later, but a USTA study shows that practicing both at once may be helpful.

According to a study cited in the USTA's Sport Science for Tennis newsletter in 1993, a study using three groups was conducted: the first group practiced the forehand during a five-week period emphasizing speed for the first 12 days, then accuracy the next 12 days; the second group reversed this order; the third group practiced both speed and accuracy simultaneously.

After the five weeks of practice, the players were tested for both velocity and accuracy, and the results favored the method of practicing the third method.

Add Fun to Practice
Letting yourself loose to hit the ball as hard as you can is a great way to experiment and have some fun. Practice huge forehands and ripping backhands and you might discover power you never knew you had.

There is no "muscle memory" that will allow you to hit hundreds of balls as hard as you can and eventually develop control. You will have to practice power while trying to get the ball in, and to a target area -- just like you will have to do in a match.

Remember, letting go a little and adding a power practice will add fun to your workouts, let you experiment and help you find and develop the right balance between power and placement.