FOOTWORK AND RHYTHM

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1936, Page 23

FOOTWORK AND RHYTHM

The value ,of footwork, and rhythm in stroke production, are emphasised by a writer who refers to Tilden arid Perry in the following ■ terms:—W. ,T. Tilden, probably the greatest genius the courts have produced, breaks many rules of classical style, but has great speed of foot and unlimited'power-at

his command. His powerful . drive 3 start from his' feet and -ripple up through his- back. ■~- and. ■ shoulder muscles and through his arm's" to' his wrists and the racket. He generates great power with very little apparent effort •■'"" ' ■' '. • '

■'■-F. J. Perry is: a genius in. a way,; with,a: lightning,quick eye, and.anticipation which enables him to hit the ball,sooner:on the rise than anyone else has ever done. In this way be gains that fraction of- time which is the vital factor in.almost every rally." He just lacks that fullness of rhythm in his.-stroke ■•which marks Tilden's game; Suzanne Lenglen is ..the .'female counterpart of Tilden. At' her peak she had a superb'grace of movement which caused people •to come from miles round, to watch her—a great many of whom had no knowledge'-of tennis as a game. . . '■".■'■