Type of stroke to play

What type of stroke is best for you?  I’m referring to the modern heavy topspin strokes hit with western grips or the flatter, classic strokes hit with eastern grips.

You first have to assess your physical preparedness.  How strong are your wrists, arms, and legs?  I view the flatter, classic stroke as a great starting point for an older player taking up the game (over 35), women new to sports, or any weaker player.  A younger player with strength should learn to play the modern strokes.  This will make them more competitive with their peers.

Secondly, how much court time will you have per week?  The modern stroke required very precise timing.  If you do not have the hours to put into it, you won’t learn it and maintain it.  Because it is very demanding on your body, you need to spend more time developing core strength.  It involves much more torque with the core muscles than the classic stroke movement.

As a teaching pro, I have learned all the shots.  I can teach all the shots.  But, when it comes to playing, I don’t play often enough to play the modern game.  It is very physically demanding.  Not only do you need to have the timing to hit these strokes, but you need the flexibility and strength to hit them shot after shot after shot.  At my age, I’m better off staying with a more classic game that includes moderate topspin, underspin, and flat shots with a more aggressive heavier topspin shot thrown in every so often.

If you watch all the junior development programs or the professional tour, you’ll see the modern strokes being taught and in action.  Do you resemble this group, age wise or by fitness?  This will give you a barometer of where you should concentrate your time.

If you consider yourself like me, then my methods will serve you well.  So assess your physical capabilities and how much time you’ll spend playing.  Then, focus on one method or the other.  You can’t do both, in the beginning.  Once you are an accomplish player, then you can meld the styles together.