Tennis is a game of hands,eyes, head and lower body
Tennis is a game of hands, eyes, head and feet and combining these 4 crucial elements into a beautiful synchronized whole.
What d0 I mean by this?
In relation to hands you need to be able to impart various spins on the ball and get the racket into position early. It is the hands and wrists that help you feel the ball and put the ball where you want it to go. It is the hands and wrists that will create great swing mechanics.
In relation to eyes, you need to watch the ball, your opponent and anticipate where the next shot is going by reading the clues and cues you are presented with. It is the eyes that help with great contact points and hitting at the right height. (strike zone)
In relation to feet, hips and legs, if you can’t reach the ball you can’t hit it and it is your feet,hips and legs that set up the stance, give you balance + power, an explosive first step and help you recover for the next shot
In relation to the head, well this is where the strategy comes from, where the emotions and self belief evolve and most importantly the love of the game and a never die attitude.
Can you ever say which is more important? I don’t think you can!! All you can say is that someone that has has a great eye, sound swing technique, is mentally tough and a fantastic athlete will normally be a great player.
I always like to look at these 4 elements when and error is made i.e.
1.) was it a swing error?
2.) footwork/balance/stance error?
3.) contact point/reading/reaction error? or
4.) focus/attitude/emotional error?