Drill 3: Contact Point Extension & Non-Dominant Arm Counterbalance

Before you start

• Assume the loaded back foot position with the right heel forward.
• Keep the racket head high in the takeback position with the left hand supporting.

Movement sequence

1. Coach drop-feeds the ball low near or over the net guide.
2. Player initiates the swing, transferring weight from heel to toe, and releases the hips to rotate fully through the shot.
3. Player finishes the swing with the racket head high over the shoulder or head level, holding the pose briefly.
4. Player opens the chest, letting the right arm go and extending the left arm back as a counterbalance.

Key points

• Palm faces down to the ground (knuckles to the sky) at contact, and opens up to the sky (knuckles to the ground) at the finish.
• Wrist is locked back and loose to allow smooth upward rotation around the wrist without collapsing.
• Non-dominant (left) arm swings backward to act as a counterbalance, preventing upper body over-rotation and opening the chest.

Common mistakes

Hitting the ball completely flat, causing it to fly long or hit the net due to lack of modern spin mechanics. Letting the wrist collapse forward instead of keeping it locked back. Failing to use the left arm as a counterforce, leading to upper body over-rotation.

Practice notes

Hold the final pose for a second like posing for a photograph to ensure proper form. Great for wide balls where stepping diagonally allows players to unleash hip rotation and recover effectively.