Frequently Asked Technical Questions:

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THE CLOSED PIVOT

Question:    Why do I hit a closed pivot off a closed stance and step down off a neutral stance?  What is the difference and which stance is better?

Answer:
   You hit off a closed stance (feet pointing at 45 degrees and weight centred) when you want to hit a slice or topspin backhand off an angled ball that bisects the singles line before the baseline. You hit off a neutral stance (step straight down the court) when you want to hit a flat or topspin backhand off a mid court ball.

   The out steps are also different in the fact that you step out and down on and step down and step across on a closed pivot. Because the 1 handed backhand needs more shoulder turn you tend to close off more the two handed backhand.

   The 2 handed closed pivot puts a lot more pressure on the lower back than the 1 handed because the left hand stay on the racket whereas the hands come apart on the 1 hander. The follow through is also different on the 1 hander compared to the 2-hander with the racket finishing a lot further in front on the 1 hander. Again.... putting less pressure on the lower back than on the 2-hander.

   Having a 2 handed backhand means you must attempt (from an injury point of view ...in my opinion) to get the outside foot a lot further beyond the ball i.e. step down whereas having the bigger shoulder turn i.e. suits the 1 hander (who also have a tendency to slice more as well!!!)

Question:   What are some common errors when attempting a backhand closed pivot?

Answer:
    1.) Closing off the stance more than 45 degree is a common error. This is due to seeing the ball late and /or not comfortable to hit off an open stance. An open stance will give you more time to hit and also gives a faster recovery, as less recovery steps are needed.

    2.) Lifting up on contact usually because the feet are too close together or you lift the head...so it is important to actually sink as you hit and also keep the legs very relaxed. Always try and keep the feet well apart…don’t panic and slide the feet together.

    3.) Front foot setting too early. Timing of the step is really important! If you step to early you will lift the front toe. If you step too late you will close off the stance too much.

    4.) Not bringing the leg around AFTER contact. I like the leg coming around as it helps keep balance and stops the front toe from lifting. If you hit the closed pivot well then you can then push off the outside leg and sneak into the net.

Question:  What are some good teaching points?

Answer:       

    * Keep the angles in the legs when hitting and finish the shot before bringing the trail leg around for balance. A good drill for teaching the slice backhand is to face the side fence standing at the T of the service boxes. Slit step then crossover at an angle towards the net. At the centre of the net and still facing the side fence mimic a slice by skimming the racket along the top of the net and extend the follow through so you end up pointing the tip of the racket at the net post. Bring the trail leg so it extends and stops the body and then take 1 cross over recovery step. Side skip to the T and finish with a spit step.
      
    * When hitting a low closed pivot bend the back knee for balance as you make contact. On contact the back toe should be on the ground. It is important to hit with both feet on the ground as much as possible as it is much more stable.
    * When hitting a high closed pivot kick the back leg towards the side fence back this will ensure good body alignment and help the swing line out towards the target instead of across the body. When hitting off 1 leg try and keep the front leg bent through contact. Impart topspin with the wrist not the legs.
    * Finish the swing before bringing the leg around. Don’t be so obsessed with recovering back to the centre that the shot is poor because of bad body alignment. Leaning and falling and reaching are 3 common balance errors that must always be avoided. 

Question:   Why do you not teach a closed forehand pivot?

Answer:
   One really important rule of the Bailey Method is that you have to experiment and use what feel goods and works for you. I am personally not a fan of the closed forehand as I feel it locks the hips out of the shot, is hard on the lower back and had extra recovery steps. On a short angled ball I prefer a forward open stance (toes forward open at 45 degrees) because it is more natural with the wrist position and contact point (which is out in front).

   I teach a forehand forward open mogul, forward open lateral hop or forward open 1-foot pivot and a angled ball to the forehand side then it is to the player to select which move to use depending on the situation!

Question:   In what direction do like to teach you students to hit their closed pivot backhand?

Answer:
    I think the great thing about the closed pivot is that it is a great shot to hit an angled reply from. There are many shots that suit a straight down the middle, cross court or down the line shot but a closed pivot is a ground stroke that is very versatile and can be hit with various spins and to all parts of the court. The closed pivot is also an excellent to move to hit a drop shot from.

Question:   What are some common errors when attempting a backhand closed pivot?

Answer:
1.) Lifting up is a common error, so it is important to actually sink as you hit (drop the back knee) and keep the legs very relaxed. Always try and keep the feet well apart…don’t panic i.e. try and rush the shot and/or slide the feet together.

2.) Loosing the body alignment is also common because the players’ feet are too close together or they are reaching for the ball.

3.) Closing the stance off too much. I like the leg to be stepped across at 45 degrees. Lifting the front toe when hitting means the weight is going from the front foot to the back foot instead of the other way round. Lifting the toe comes from stepping too early or not bringing the trail leg around for balance.

4.) Running to the ball and not getting balanced on the last step before making the final closed pivot-hitting stance.

5.) Not practicing the slice backhand enough when it is really a great shot for adding variety to your game and as a rally shot when pulled forward and across to the ball.