Frequently Asked Technical Questions:

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David welcomes the feedback and often uses this to illustrate and highlight some of the problems encountered in many of his articles and lessons.

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THE LATERAL HOP

Question:   Why do I hit a lateral hop off an open stance or forward-open stance?  Which one is better?

Answer:
You hit off an open stance (feet pointing along the baseline and weight centred) when you the ball is a deeper and wider.

You will hit off a forward open stance (feet pointing forward at 45 degrees) when you cut the angle out to the ball that is shorter, angled and has less pace.

I believe it is better to hit off a forward open stance as you can take the ball earlier and create more angled shot with your reply.

Question:    What are some common errors made when hitting a lateral hop?

 Answer:

1.) You hop before you hit. When making all hopping contact moves be it a forward, lateral or a back foot you must hit then hop.

2.) You straighten the non hitting leg instead of lifting the knee up towards the chest. A lot of players lift the leg before they make contact instead of on contact.

3.) You jump up instead of hopping sideways. This tends to make you “shank” the ball (miss hit on the frame) which is also a sign of hitting the ball too early.

4.)  You use the lateral hop on faster surfaces like grass where is it more suited to clay and clays higher and slower surface.
 

Question:   What are some good teaching points?

Answer:

    * Keep the angles in the legs when hitting as this will help the swing line of the swing so you extend through the shot and it also helps you keep balance and hit with power.
    * Make sure you don’t rotate the hitting foot too far. Start with it pointing to the side fence (turn the hips) and finish with the toe pointing to the net. After the swing look over the elbow of the hitting arm as this will also keep you balanced.
    * Lift the leg after you hit otherwise you will miss time the shot.

Question:  How is a rallying open 1-foot pivot different to a rallying open lateral hop?

Answer:  
Both look really similar as they are both hit off one leg and off an open stance. But, with a pivot you keep your foot on the ground and a hop you come off the ground.

Question: Why is a lateral hop forehand only? Can a backhand lateral hop be used?

Answer:

My experience is that players struggle much more with the backhand side so always teach the forehand first so they understand the timing and balance move of the knee lift. If they really struggle get them to try and hit the backhand of the front foot instead. In general you will hit a variety of contact move off the forehand than the backhand. I like to keep the contact move selection on the backhand as simple as possible. You have to experiment and use what feel goods and works for you.

Question: Why is a lateral hop great to hit as an angled reply?

Answer:

It is always easier to hit an angled shot off an angled approaching ball, as you don’t need to change the angle of direction. Because you are going past the point of contact you can hit on the outside of the ball. Also, by hopping it is easier to hit up the back of the ball, thus imparting topspin and getting the ball to dip which is what hitting an angled ball is all about.
Why do you teach sliding the outside foot before you hit when using a lateral hop contact move on clay?

Question:  Why do you teach sliding the outside foot before you hit when using a lateral hop contact move on clay?

Answer:

I like teaching sliding on clay before you hit such contact moves as the closed backhand pivot, mogul move and lateral hop. Why?

1.) It helps load the legs and keeps good angles in the legs
2.) It keeps the head steady
3.) It aids in recover and balance
4.) Sliding is fun and it shows signs of confidence on the clay surface
Note: Sliding is not essential on clay but is mostly about loving to slide and feeling comfortable and relaxed when sliding. It is certainly an art form and needs to be practiced.