cliff isn’t only talking about power here. He shows us that by moving into the ball, stepping or anything extra on top of moving our hips, it means less control. Less hitting the ball straight. Obviously he was #1 in the world for years so there is something to what he’s saying.
I'm a B level player with some ball control/accuracy issues. I have a tendency to move while hitting and this guy is right, you get much more control when you use upper body torque to hit the ball.
This is a good drill to add to a warm up. Do 10 forehand and backhand. Then go to your regular backhand ad f.h. you'll see a small increase. Ofc, hitting the gym 3x a week will help :)
I'm on the fence with this one. I say your power does come from the hip rotation BUT also the momentum from which it's striking the ball. Mastering both will do the job which control will follow soon after.
I'm inclined to believe this doesn't work as well as he claims. or rather that the forward motion is also where the power comes from. not just turning your body.
Stepping into a shot definitely generates added power as well as stability. I don't think he would disagree though I struggle to reconcile that fact with what he says here. Could it be that "I am always trying to be still " applies strictly to this drill?
I agree. Others say get your chest rotating towards the front wall before striking the ball. Accelerate through the ball. A flat swing with racquet tip and grip level is also effective in avoiding skip balls.
