Forehand footwork Palmer 2000

David Palmer Forehand Footwork - eyes looking upwards

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Ricketts approaching a Backhand shot, and looking like a closed stance at this stage, and with one m

Published: 16 May 2006 - 20:38 by rippa rit

Updated: 24 Sep 2008 - 14:48

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Viper - this is an extension of your post "Open v Closed Stance" where I wanted to add a picture and it is a pity we could not put Ricketts up just to see them side by side.
Notice though in Palmer's shot he is actually looking up, so is not going for the shot with the idea of hitting a superb killing drive though he is still under pressure, but able to put most of his feet on the floor.
The vital question is, if he had had the "preferred" foot forward he may have chosen a different shot.
These are the subtle things when reading the play as an opponent.
As far as the footwork goes players get into the stride of being able to judge the speed, length and distance they are from the ball and sum it up quickly, and know which foot they are going to land on, a bit like a fast bowler making the crease, when he is delivering the bowl - never seen a bowler land on the wrong leg yet - nah I don't watch cricket too much.

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From rippa rit - 30 May 2006 - 15:22

I have continued the debate about Open v Closed Stance at this post

From Viper - 30 May 2006 - 09:09 - Updated: 30 May 2006 - 09:14

Thanks for your patience Rita but do not get this still.

I agree totally that under pressure we will use any foot to play the shot, back , front, closed or open, whatever it takes.

I am under the impression "closed stance" like open stance is a technique taught from woo to go, ie it is shown as the prefered footwork by coaches to their pupils just like the opposite camp teaches open stance, is this not the case ?

The way I am reading your posts you suggest closed stance is just footwork you use as a last resort given the pressure one is under rather than it being a taught technique, ie something you would be practicing and aiming to use in all shots when time was there.

From rippa rit - 30 May 2006 - 07:52 - Updated: 30 May 2006 - 08:19

Click Below for Attached Images

Ricketts Approaching a Backhand Shot

I have added a pic above, now we have a new Add Pic Feature, which is showing Palmer and Ricketts approaching a backhand shot.
Looking at the footwork Palmer has completed his stroke so we are in fact looking at the follow-through. It looks awkward probably because he had stretched well forward and is now regaining his balance.
Ricketts is approaching a backhand shot, and is in a closed stance position, and will most likely not have the "preferred" foot in position when he strikes the ball since he looks to be a step away from hitting the ball.
My point is, if you have time to get in position and balanced try to do it, but if you are outstretched the basic fundamentals will most likely be sacrificed. The shot selection will also be minimised.

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