Load The OutSide Leg For More Power AND Correct Spacing - Tennis Forehand, Backhand & Volleys

In this video, I will show you which your outside leg is and how to correctly use it to generate more power on your tennis forehand, backhand and volleys.
The outside leg also plays a role in gauging the correct distance to the tennis ball.
The idea for this video came from a comment I received that we tennis coaches often use very specific "tennis language". We talk a lot about the outside leg in tennis so here is what it is, how you use and why you use it.
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[@kidnuke2]

Again, you are one of the best tennis instructors out there!!!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you!

[@robertsison9436]

Thank you Coach. I just saw video feed from a different tennis instructor about loading the leg but it never gave the information the way you did. I figured you had really good video on this topic! ✅ Thanks again for another great video. 🎾

[@willietyus5680]

Awesome explanation!!! I love how you not only clarified the concept but actually showed a lot of practical examples of how to use this fundamental step. When learning, it’s so easy to forget/miss this step and start arming everything to compensate. Thanks!!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You're very welcome! Most of the things I do videos about are actually things my clients struggle with and I'm sure they can relate to what you're saying

[@practiquemos]

I love this video 💕

[@lauraotto6942]

Thanks Coach Meike! That was super helpful. I have also struggled with the “outside leg” verbiage. Much clearer now💡

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You're so welcome!

[@jeromep4148]

You probably hear this all the time , but I can’t resist - your instructional content is really, reallly , good!! Very good balance between showing and telling, and I enjoy your anecdotes from when you were a kid. I hope you are enjoying the process!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

It never hurts to hear it again :-) Thank you for your kind words!

[@Kickserve2603]

Thx for addressing my email questions te: the difference Outside vs Inside Legs You did the BEST Presentation 🥇 For years Coaches have been confusing us (rec players). Coach Babel, you have been appointed our designated “Coach for Life” JL 😎 & Crew Nashville, Tennessee

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You are so welcome! And I gladly accept the title. This was a great reminder to clarify.

[@LazerHs]

You are the master coach when it comes to teaching footwork in tennis. Thank you.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you!

[@annegross9543]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You always hear this referenced when watching pro tennis on TV. Never understood this…. and now I do! Thanks to the person who asked about this too 👍🏻

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Happy to help!

[@lcervantes8505]

Well explained. Exactly what I was being instructed but couldn't grasp until now. I think players become confused by the phrase "hit off the front leg" when, whle that's true, it's actually a transfer of power from the loaded back or outside leg, to the front. Thanks!

[@lowellwalters]

Great video! I know what it means to "load the outside leg," but only considered it with groundstrokes. Thank you so much for demonstrating volleys and returns.

[@ramlibahroom6744]

An excellent video on loading in tennis. I love it.

[@alanbellamy5103]

Another excellent video. You’re a good communicator. Thank you.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I appreciate that!

[@Better_Call_Raul]

Well done.👏 The first clear explanation of "outside leg" terminology I've ever seen. Also note that the "closed stance" forehand shown at 04:27 is commonly referred to as "neutral stance". In fact, "neutral stance forehand" usage might be more popular than "closed stance forehand". IMO, there are two forehand stances: open stance (includes fully open and semi-open) and neutral stance. On a neutral stance forehand, the outside leg lines up directly behind the inside leg. One should never hit a "closed stance forehand" wherein the inside leg steps across the outside leg because this closed stance greatly impedes hip rotation. Will very rarely see pro players hit a closed stance forehand unless they can't avoid it.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I think it also depends on which part of the world you are. In German we say closed so maybe I used the direct translation a bit more.

[@Better_Call_Raul]

@@MeikeBabelTennis "Closed Stance" was also used here and then Bolletieri Academy popularized "Neutral Stance". The advantage with using this terminology is that it clearly communicates that you do not want to ever hit a "Closed Stance Forehand" if you can avoid it, as a closed stance forehand (inside left leg crossing over the outside right leg) severely limits hip rotation; use a neutral stance or open stance forehand instead. And of course the opposite is true on the one handed backhand. Closed stance is ideal and preferred on the one handed topspin backhand, wherein the inside right leg crosses over the outside left leg.

[@LiLi-il6px]

Will try in match and see

[@cesarfernandezlopez5063]

Thank you very much MEIKE ❤️🙃

[@nathanmiller6051]

Excellent movement Coach Babel and excellent lesson! Thank You 🙏 so much 👍 appreciate greatly! I have no problem with tennis terms! 😉

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you :-)

[@sundaramirtanandha7058]

Fantastic!!!

[@agalanjou497]

Excellent ! Learn a lot from this video. THANK YOU~🤩👏👏👏

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You're welcome!

[@charliefoster6710]

So happy that I came across this video. I certainly understood the meaning of the outside leg in your previous videos but I never understood its importance in finding the ball. I was taught other methods to find the ball and those tips have made my ground strokes less consistent. Your instruction has not only helped with the spacing but as you mention in the video to transfer the energy creating a more powerful, yet controlled shot. Please keep up the good work! How far will you travel for lessons?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That’s so great to hear! I’m very glad that my video helped you. I moved to Spain at the beginning of the year so you may have to come to one of my camps that I’m hosting here :-)

[@charliefoster6710]

@@MeikeBabelTennis I wish you continued success there. I actually plan on going to Mallorca for tennis in the next 6 months if that’s close to you 😊

[@yakzivz1104]

this is great advice as always!!!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad you think so!

[@michaelweston3073]

Meike, Great ! Keep explaining the Details and the niddy griddy Stuff and always assume That your Clients and Viewers understood you wrong or incomplete!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thanks, will do!

[@sonnyyombo2230]

Thank You

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Youre welcome!

[@bournejason66]

Make sense to me. Can you explain why we call the shots inside out, inside in? and is there outside in or outside out? Cross court and down the line are much easier to understand for me 😂

[@Better_Call_Raul]

My understanding is that all swing paths start from the "inside" -- "inside" meaning that the swing starts from close to your body. "Inside Out" refers to beginning from the inside and then swinging out away from your body. "Inside In" refers to beginning from the inside and then swinging in across your body. For example, if you are a righty running around your backhand and hitting a forehand from the Ad side, an "inside out" swing will make it go cross court and an "inside in" swing will make it go down the line. Not sure what an "outside in" or "outside out" shot will look like. Or whether it even exists. I don't think it does. Maybe Coach Babel can clarify. kzbin.infoUgkxrtBemGfhAnK52KmwM10e_UgCKodfmB6C

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

To be perfectly honest on that one I have no idea, have to do some research :-) But I d know that I've never heard of an outside out or in. What Raul says below makes sense

[@telecaster9988]

Hello coach meike, thank you for your knowledge! I’m a beginner, recreational level player. I have an issue with my legs. I have a pretty weak legs, it burns out pretty easily during a rally. Do you have any tips or maybe a video covering on how to strengthen my legs in able to do the load eventually? Thank you

[@danzini8407]

Super video!! Could you please make one video on how to bend the knees correctly. Thank you, Dan.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Great suggestion!

[@alirezahashemian318]

Hi you explained great but I love tennis I watch so many video everyday from so many coaches but one of very famous coaches said that you load front leg that is your left leg on forehand if you are right handed now I am confused that you say load your right leg can you clear this please

[@counsela9240]

Cool 😎

[@yakzivz1104]

Can you please do a video on open stance 1hbh??? This is the only stance that really works on return of serve for 1hbh.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yes, that is a good suggestion. Unless you have a ton of time you will hit a lot of open stance 1 HBH

[@pjakobsen]

When watching videos of the pros, especially Federer, engaged in co-operative warm up rallies and hitting with great pace, often they rarely load their legs like this. Fed especially, his head drops maybe only 1 inch. What’s their source of racquet head speed and power in this case?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Incredible timing and effective use of all the components in a stroke.

[@lawrencesin3595]

How does one purchase your ball stand?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

do you mean the TopspinPro? Email me at [e-mail] with your email address so I can create a discount link.

[@LiLi-il6px]

Footwork

[@meggieturi]

Ourside leg = ball side

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

BAM!

[@honkymonky7033]

If you are doing a right handed forehand (on your right), your right leg is the outside leg because it is the closest to the right alley, if you do a right handed backhand (on your left), your left leg is the outside leg because it is the closest to the left alley. The opposite legs are inside the court and they are the so called inside legs 🦵 common sense guys

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yup and it's also seen from the middle of the body. Not sure why so many people take offense at my explanation.

[@honkymonky7033]

@@MeikeBabelTennis You are doing a great job Meike, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge and high level experience. Danke shoen 🤗

[@tonyaquinoxx]

That is an interesting theory with loading the outside leg. Sorry to say it will not add more velocity (force) to the ball. Loading the outside leg will slow down the rotation of your torso. No professional baseball player will ever use the technique you are talking about because it does not generate more force. Let me know if you want me to explain why your theory is ineffective in loading the outside leg.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Uhm, this is tennis not baseball. Two different sports

[@BrunoCoutant]

So the outside leg is actually the inside leg! You guys need some common sense lesson in motricity. Say you walk into a room.... which one is your outside leg? So the one lagging behind you and you inside leg is the one in front of you, where you are looking into, the first one moving inside the room. How difficult is that! But no you reverse it al and confuse us all. Thanks a bunch! So actually inside and outside legs is totally wrong. As your video shows. As the legs, their position inside or outside vary too depending on the stance. What is consistent is te position of the legs relative to the arm holding the racket.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I’m looking forward to hearing you speak at the next tennis world conference since you obviously think we have no idea what we’re talking about.

[@BrunoCoutant]

@@MeikeBabelTennis Wel what you and other coaches are saying does not make much sense to me, no. It is confusing to say the least. Your video is clarifying some bits though, but not on the terminology inside and outside leg.