Do not try to fit yourself into an exact mold when learning
tennis. This is one of the things I dislike about some of the
conventional methods of learning tennis. They try to fit you
into this unrealistic mold. What's interesting is THE PROS
DO NOT EVEN FIT THAT MOLD. Why should you?
You should maintain your own individuality when learning and
playing tennis, without breaking the laws of physics. If you
would like to hit topspin on your shots you must swing low
to high. If you would like to slice on your shots you must
swing high to low. But, there certainly are many ways to
swing high to low and low to high. Seek out your own style
through practice and repetition of simple principles and
let the repetition mold your own style.
Remember, in the past many players were advised to change a
shot that eventually became their trademark. Bjorn Borg was
told not to hit with a semi-western grip on his forehand and
not to use all that excessive topspin! For some reason he
kept doing it (I guess it just felt comfortable). The result
was that Borg changed the face of tennis forever!
Many new players began hitting with more topspin and using
semi-western grips! Conventionally, this was supposed to be
incorrect. And how about the two-handed backhands of
Connors, Austin, Evert, and Borg?! Today using two hands
is commonplace and widely accepted, but initially many
players were told it was unacceptable. But, the natural,
instinctive, and automatic will always prevail.
By the way, in the 1937 Australian Open final between Vivian
McGrath and John Bromwich both players had two-handed
backhands! Even at that, the two-handed backhand did not
gain prominence until the Borg, Evert era in the 70's.
Yes, you should practice, but beware of fitting yourself
into the cookie cutter mold. Learn to develop your own
individuality and style which is the signature of a
champion.
