Tennis Topics

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 46, 18 November 1893, Page 414

Tennis Topics

FOOT-MOVEMENT.

IN my last article, * position in court,’ I had occasion to remark on the want of knowledge shown by most of our players of that very important feature of the game. Only my uncompromising regard for the truth (for I hate to appear severe) compels me to draw attention to another common fault indulged in by our local men —I mean the disregard of the position of the feet in taking many strokes, and of the right movements to be made in getting the feet into those proper positions. That some players frequently adopt these correct movements and positions I don’t deny, but observation has proved to me that their adoption is determined by chance rather than by habit, born out of an intelligent conception of their value, and fixed by assiduous practice.

Nearly every stroke that comes to a player has to be taken either on the fore hand or back hand. A ball seldom pitches actually in front of a player. If it threatens to, a man instinctively feels that he is going to be in an awkward position to return it, and steps to one side or other, and thus makes either a ‘ fore ’ or a ‘ back ’ hand stroke of it. Sometimes a man is cornered by a ball coming straight at him, and even in such a case a right foot movement will help him materially.

Hunna, photo , Auckland.

WRONG FOOT MOVEMENT IN TAKING FORE-HAND STROKE.

The illustration above shows the * way not to do it.’ Most of our players in taking a ball coming to their forehand move out their right foot as the arm is extended to make the stroke. In doing this the return is weakened. The attitude is an uncertain one, and the stroke made when the player is in this position lacks strength and precision. The * reach,' too, is shortened. This may appear paradoxical, but if any tennis player will practise the right foot movement for a fore hand stroke as described in the following paragraph he will find that * this was some time a paradox, but now the time gives it proof.’

By 'VANTAGE.’

As shown in this second illustration the right foot remains fixed while the left is moved across and in front. In the pose as shown the weight of the body is on the right

Hanna, photo., Auckland

foot, and simultaneously with the act of striking the weight is transferred to the left foot. Strokes made with this footmovement gain in strength and precision. Try it.

This position is for some reason or other less seldom adopted than the corresponding fore hand mistake. As shown, the left foot is advanced and bears the weight of the body, and any player while making a stroke in this attitude has little chance of getting any power into it. If the attempt is made to bring off a hard return it will be found that the left leg has to be straightened spasmodically, and all precision in placing is lost, the ball usually dropping outside the opponents’ left side line, owing to the * pull ’ from the racket.

Here the right foot is advanced across the left, a clear swing backward for the racket is left possible, and the weight of the body in striking is transferred naturally from the right to the lejt foot, the left knee, which was bent in waiting for the ball, being straightened, thus lending weight and power to the stroke, and making the placing of

the ball more certain than it would likely be with any oth movement.

Strokes made when in the right position (not court, but body position), which can only be arrived at by correct foot movement, are more effective and graceful than those delivered after a player has ‘ straddled ’ towards the ball. In the latter case he will in all probability make * an ungainly ’

Hanna, photo.. Auckland.

RIGHT FOOT MOVEMENT IN TAKING BACK-HAND STROKE.

stroke, which if it ever pass the net and attain the dignity of a return, will be of such a character as to lend itself to severe treatment by his opponent. Good tennis is always • easy and graceful,’ I don’t refer to ‘ flourish,’ that is always easy of detection, but it may be observed that strokes made in the right way are made without any apparent effort or strain by the player, and this automatic action of hand, eye and foot, producing good strokes, makes up what we call * good form. ’

The greatest difficulty will be found in making the proper foot movement while on the run. This is most certainly troublesome. The best way will be found in taking short, quick, running steps till almost on the ball, and when in the act of striking make the proper ‘step across.’ This • step across ’ will partake somewhat of a stride. The advantage gained is that the player comes to a standstill to take the ball and prevents himself from running over it ; further, it enables the player to get back, for even if he should succeed in making a return while on the run, the chances are that the next stroke will come to the part'of the court from which he is running, and his getting back will be almost impossible, or if possible, only at a great cost in effort.

These foot movements apply equally to balls off the ground and to volleys. They should be made mechanically, and without the slightest hesitation, for it is obvious that in taking a fast return, if a player hae to think out what he is going to do with his feet, he will be too late. As in learning correct strokes, so in moving the feet properly constant practice is necessary, and this piactice can be undertaken in absolute solitude. One’s bedroom does as well as a tennis court. Take a racket and picture a ball coming to your fore-hand, make the step across with the left foot just before swinging the racket for the stroke, so with the back hand, step across with the right foot and put the weight where nature will dictate. When on a club court get some one to watch and correct you when wrong. It will be somewhat dreary at first, but assiduous practice will soon convince you of the value of these right foot movements.

I have been asked to write an article on tennis for ladies. Certainly, with pleasure, and next week I will assume the office of guide, philosopher, and friend to our fair tennisonians. I know the risks, also the privileges.

The rain of Friday and Saturday last most effectually prevented anything in the way of tennis on those days, and the opening of the Eden and Epsom Courts stands postponed till to-day.

OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND LAWN TENNIS CLUB. Favoured with a lovely day, this club opened their courts for the season on Thursday, the 9th instant. There were a number of visitors present, the ladies predominating Among these I noticed many of Auckland’s leading players. The courts might certainly be better, but considering the short time the committee have had at their disposal, the ground and appointments are by no means bad, and I am sure that as the season advances they will improve under the energetic management of the secretary, Mr Bruce. The ‘ stop nets ’ are a marked improvement, and will be found a great convenience to players, who in previous years used to be constantly travelling all over the lawn for balls, or shouting * Thank you 1’ in a beseechingly plaintive way to other players at the far end of the courts.

Of course, as in all opening days of tennis clubs, the ‘ tay ’ was stronger than the play. I, however, make an exception in favour of Miss Nicholson, who, for an opening day, showed remarkably good form. Some of her strokes were particularly good, and quite according to ‘ therry.’ Volleying seems to be—as with most other lady players—her weak point, but with all the season in front of her this weakness will surely be remedied, and she will then be able to take proper advantage of those hard returns of hers on to her opponents’ base line. In making this brief mention I do not mean to particularize. My remarks in this respect are applicable to most of our lady players.

At the annual meeting the following officers were elected : —President: John Reid, Eq.; Vice-presidents: Gilbert King, Esq., W. S. Wilson, E-q., Louis Ehrenfried, Esq. ; Hon. Sec., Mr W. E. Bruce; Committee, Messrs Cunningham, Goldie, Morton, Scheiff, and Hon. Sec.

OAMARU. The courts have been opened for the season, and though the weather is cold for on-lookers, there was a large attendance of ladies the first day. Mrs Newton (wife of the President) gave afternoon tea, which was much appreciated, full justice being done to the many delicious cakes provided. Most of the gentlemen members were conspicuous by their absence, very few turning up. This is usually the case on a ladies’ day.

CANTERBURY. The Linwood Courts are now open for the season. The weather was not of the best on the opening day, but it was better than it might have been. The asphalt courts were dry by three, and some good play was seen during the afternoon. The Club membership is strong and increasing. The new bathroom and improved pavilion accommodation doubtless have contributed toward this result. Lincoln College and Canterbury Club sent members to the openinc function, and some good games were played between them and the Linwoodites. The afternoon tea dispensed by the wife of the President, Mrs Palairet, assisted by Miss Palairet, was greatly appreciated.

The Sydenham Lawns were also opened on Saturday. A large gathering testified to the interest felt in the event. The grounds were opened for play, Mr J. L. Scott performing the ceremony with a brief speech. Miss Baldwin, the Vice President, served the first ball over the net, cheers were given, and the Court was formerly open for play. A photograph was taken, and refreshments and play alter* nated during the afternoon.

The photographs from which our illustrations were produced are from pictures specially taken for the Graphic by Mr Hanna, of Auckland. They were instantaneous shots. Mr Hanna has our best thanks.