Open and Closed Stance
What is the difference and why should I bother with it?

     When we first received this question, we struggled with how to explain it.  The best way to explain it,
besides the pictures is to realize where your feet are pointing.  When you are in a closed stance, your toes
are pointed towards the side fence and/or sideways to the net.  In an open stance, your toes are pointed
towards the net and/or sideways to the side fence. 
     Players, like myself, that have been around since the 70's (ahem!  Am I really that old?) and before,
were usually taught to hit the ball with a continental grip and to step into the ball. In the days of serve
and volley and chip and charge, the forward transfer of weight got us into the net easier. Thus, we were
taught to hit the ball with a closed stance.  In the days of  slower courts and wooden rackets, we had
 plenty of time to do this (although it didn't feel like we did at the time).  Now the courts are faster, the
 rackets are much more powerful and everyone is hitting with more extreme grips (such as the semi and
 full western grips).  This cuts down on the time that one has to get into position to hit the ball and
recover for the next bullet that will be coming at us from the other side of the net.  Still, there is nothing
like stepping into the ball and driving it home.

Here we see a close backhand with the toes facing sideways to the net.

Here we see an open backhand.  Notice
how her weight transfer sets her up for her next shot.

    Then, out of necessity,  the open stance was born.  With the open stance, you can hit the ball and shift your
 weight to the leg that is inner to the court using your legs and core for power.  The shifting of weight
 towards the inside of the court allows you to both hit the ball and get back into strategic position
 for the next shot.  It also allows you to return balls that are hit very close to your body, especially
 on return of serves where the opponent tries to hit it right at you. Here are a couple of examples.

Here we see an open forehand from a left-handed view.  Her  toes
are facing the net. Notice how her stroke takes her weight into the court.

Can't leave out the righties!  See how his weight transfers from his
right leg to the leg on the inner side of the court.

  Don't give up on the continental grip and closed stance.  However, those of you that desire to
 play the game at a much faster pace, really need to consider using the open stance. 

Need hands-on lessons?  Don VanRamshorst is a U.S.P.T.A.
 certified professional tennis instructor.  Nothing beats the real
 deal! Call the Harlingen H.E.B. tennis center for rates and your
  next appointment today! (956) 428 - 2092