Rhythm In Tennis. What Is It, How Do You Train It and How Do You Maximize It To Your Advantage

What is Rhythm?

You Know It When You See It…

However, it is sometimes difficult for many people to define

Here are some textbook definitions of RHYTHM

“Rhythm is a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound“

“Rhythm is the alternation between periods of tension and relaxation“

How Do I Define Rhythm?

“It’s an efficient energy transfer from the ground through the body and out into the ball (for a stroke).“

From a physics perspective, it’s how efficient your kinetic chain sequencing is in that movement — whether it’s a serve, a volley, a forehand or a backhand. There is an optimum, fundamental way to transfer energy from storing to releasing energy out into the ball. So, rhythm and ideal rhythm, is just the optimum energy transfer throughout your kinetic chain. We know it when we see it. We talk about Roger Federer and Rod Laver from a stroke and movement perspective and the Pete Sampras serve, and you can see they have outstandingly good rhythm. They could also be said to have unbelievably good kinetic chain sequencing.

Poor Rhythm

I like to describe “poor rhythm” using the metaphor as “driving with your foot on the break.” You can get to your destination, but it will not be the most efficient way, it will cause the car (your body) to wear out sooner and it takes a lot more gas (energy) to get the intended result.

If you are trying to improve Rhythm it is simple, but not easy. The goal is to remove the dysfunctional patterns, the inefficient movements and improve technique and timing of the sequential movements that you are trying to incorporate to hit a forehand, a backhand, a serve, a volley, an overhead a front cross-over movement, a shuffle step or numerous other important movements and actions on a tennis court.

A COURSE FOCUSED ON RHYTHM IN TENNIS

Based on the importance of rhythm in tennis I was involved in a project that focused on some in-depth exploration around the topic – RHYTHM. So I have taken a component of this project and turned it into a course where I answer 25 questions on the topic of rhythm. These are short answers to various questions around the topic. In the course I have also included a few bonuses including a one hour doubles focused webinar as well. Take a look at the course RHYTHM IN TENNIS for more details and the entire course is outlined.