Unit Turn In Tennis - Fundamental Rules For Forehand & Backhand

www.feeltennis....
You've surely heard of the term unit turn when teaching tennis players how to prepare and initiate their forehand or backhand stroke.
At first glance is may seem that executing the unit turn is a very simple thing to do and yet I see two major mistakes in my daily work with tennis players.
The first mistake is that you think that the "unit" that you need to turn is the whole of you from toes to the head.
If that's how you imagine the unit you'll surely start with the incorrect weight transfer.
And the second common mistake is that when your body turns to the side it also "pulls" your head to the side which also tends to tilt.
When your head and therefore your eyes are not both pointing at the ball you will lose the ability to judge depth well and that will result in poor timing and typically hitting the ball late.
So this week's video article shows you how to do the basic unit turn correctly and what the head position of the pros looks like compared to a recreational tennis players.
The good news is that these two mistakes are quite easy to correct, you just need to be aware of the problem.

[@UDEMF]

Dear Tomas, I played tennis from 2002 to 2011, during those times I reach my best ranked at 3.0(a ranking system in my country, pros are from 4.25 and higher). then I stopped playing for personal reasons. Ive just started to play again since last Xmas, just by watching your instructions and working on stamina, my rank now is 3.75 (a big step that i couldnt make for almost 10 years). so THANK YOU ! i think you are not only good but also very intelligent to point out all the important aspects of this game, and you have a good heart too. I wish all the dedicated tennis player would watch this channel!

[@jkhan856]

Negan Grimes couldn’t agree more with you about Thomas. Good luck and continue to grow.

[@dhanushkapatel76]

Which country are you from?

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Technically, pros don't use those number ranking units anymore. If they did, they would be 6.0 or better.

[@Under-dogGamer]

​@@OneAdam12Adam depends what country lta rating 6.0 is club level and basic club level at that 4.0 is county level 3.0 or lower national last time I checked I am a lta performance coach by the way lol.

[@jmrf6280]

Of all the thousands of tennis instructional videos on the internet, Tomas and Feeltennis are light years ahead of every one of them. I always learn useful and insightful knowledge from him. And, his presentations has none of the condescension or smarminess you see in other tennis videos. Excellence only!

[@Chryslerx88]

Probably the best video on the internet regarding this topic. Thank you coach!

[@burrbentine]

Ok. This has fixed my game. No coach ever told me this. I practiced and then played with this in mind. Amazing. Not only did I hit better but my shot recovery was much faster. I felt like I was walking around the court rather than using tons of excess body mvmt. Thank you sir!

[@GoNewHorizon]

A really game changing video and tips

[@sincerestanley6499]

I guess Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@morriemukoda45]

OMG...you clarified my problem so clearly with unit turn!! Thank you thank you!!

[@scoogsy]

I was coached for about 5 years when I was a teenager. I was never told about the unit turn. Perhaps it’s common place now days, as that was 20 years ago, but seeing this video has changed my approach to my forehand. This streamlines my shot to something more controlled and compact. It reduces the amount of movement I put into my backswing, which felt seperate to the rest of my body. It creates a more narrow “track” for my arm to move through when executing the shot. It makes my forehand more like an uncoiling spring, than the long elongated sweeping motion I used to have. I didn’t realise how exaggerated my back swing was until I really appreciated what the unit turn meant. I understand this might be a very basic lesson, however it’s very helpful to create consistency for those of us struggling with our forehand. Thanks!

[@haroldho19]

I agree,

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Yes. Modern coaches will tell you it's all about reducing variables. Big clusters of muscles like your core are much more consistent

[@musicaangomera]

In less than 8 minutes you solved a doubt about the forehand uniturn I couldn't find anywhere else. Your videos are great Tomas, thanks for such technical simplicity.

[@feeltennis]

Thanks for the wonderful feedback!

[@alhaqqIndy]

Brilliant!! I always move back on both forehand and backhand. This helped a lot. Can't wait to try out this weekend. Also, I am sure I am turning my head as well. But I can correct that easily now that you pointed out since I am able to do it easily during my golf swing.. Great Stuff. Thank You Sir!

[@LazerHs]

You are a godsend sir. The #1 tennis coach on this Earth. Your skills in giving well understandable explanations is second to none. You’ve set the bar so high that I’m not sure another coach will ever match you.

[@feeltennis]

Thanks a million, will do my best to share more ideas in the future!

[@Sujit_Hemant]

I am a 4.0 USTA and have been struggling to find a good forehand rhythm/timing and effortlessness for past few years.. never had an issue with backhand. Watching this i instantly feel it will fix the the coiling and footwork... Its like EUREKA.... hope it works on the court too... unbelievable grasp by Thomas sir of what all can go wrong..

[@SashDhru]

By far the most 'valuable' coach on the net. Each video is exactly to the point, clear and illustrative. The head/eyes pointer was brilliant..Thank you very much

[@pupstart]

Thomaz this is brilliant and a reminder of what one can easily forget. The head staying forward wirh both eyes on ball can be overlooked even at a fairly high level. Will keep this one and revisit thank you sir stay well.

[@cbjose28]

I thought I had good unit turn until I watched this video! I make both those mistakes. Will try to focus on what you mentioned here and correct those errors. Thanks for the great video!

[@blazer6576]

Sir I cannot believe this is not talked about at all in my numerous coaching sessions. This mistake has been my habit and I had a shock watching this video. Thanks so much

[@feeltennis]

You're very welcome, glad that the video helped!

[@carollelivelt8625]

Seriously, you are the best instructor! So grateful for your channel. I’m a 4.0 club player who has tried everything to fix my FH. I miss-hit, no power, poor aim etc. I’m certain these tips will vastly improve that shot. Can’t wait to get on the ball machine!

[@sportssteverino]

Excellent advice Tomas. I was wondering why I couldn't get any forward momentum and power on my ground strokes. Can't wait to try the unit turn on the court

[@joshuaman01]

The world needs more people like you coach, You are an eye opener for aspiring players...Applying the word simplicity to tennis and putting it inside the court breaking down the necessary simple techniques unlike coaches in the youtube who will you know talk and talk and talk but will ask you to pay in the end.

[@securityfamily]

Excellent lesson. I had never considered this as the proper unit turn, and the need to have both eyes forward on the ball for proper depth perception. Brilliant!

[@kevinlatil]

Excellent tips, today I was on a hitting practice forcing myself to do the unit turn and found myself missing a lot of balls without understanding why. I was not correctly assessing the speed/high of the incoming ball and playing moving backwards. This excellent video illustrated me why this was happening, amazing. Tomaz, you are a very clear and intelligent coach, you correct details that I have not seen with other coaches.

[@haasws]

Very clear and simple instructions which concentrate on the fundamentals of tennis. Priceless! Thank you!

[@lgnd-lm6ug]

Well, my first teacher was literally making me do the wrong side stance as in the first example. It felt completely unnatural and my forehand got even worse. Another common mistake is to turn too late, you have to make the turn as the ball clears the net. Great channel, Tomas

[@laddorcho]

You are the only coach said the turn is not from the whole body! Bravo!

[@indirajayaraman4758]

Great demonstration of unit turn. I will show my students this method. Especially for the backhand. Thank you

[@therandomguy5424]

This looks so helpful. My coach never told me this. I was told that a unit turn is just a turn (I think, it was 2 years ago).

[@coachgresham]

This really helped me a lot because I teach tennis and when I teach the unit turn I have my students step backwards. I like the way you explain this upper body unit turn without closing off or stepping back! Thank you!

[@feeltennis]

Glad it helped!

[@corsicanu666]

Another excellent video with valuable tips. I especially like (and this applies to all your videos) that you motivate all your instructions. E.g. "Why do we want to keep both eyes on the ball? Because stereo vision is best for estimating depth and speed". Logical, clear tip, pointing out a problem that is easy to correct and that makes a big difference. Thank you for your videos!

[@jaibahmani9214]

The best ways to explain the subtle but critical skills ❤

[@K4R3N]

Greatest online instructor, I've watched so many. Always return to this channel. Thank you from USA

[@DavidMarkowitz]

Excellent analysis of the unit turn! Superb instruction

[@tamybrm702]

Thank you so much for all these videos 😘 I just started playing few months ago I'm 36y female, i played a tiny bit as a kid but i always loved this game, i discovered im actually good and now that i discovered your chanell i am exited to try everything im learning. So thanky you for that, and if you ever come to greece i would love to meet you for a quick lesson haha Again thank you very much.🎾👏

[@enriqueaguilar7674]

It seems that tennis and tai chi chuan have more in common than just the first letter of the name: the position of the feet, weight distribution in the legs, TORSO GIRO (The lesson of this video) and much more. I'm going to practice with this new approach. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@khaledb6580]

Enrique Aguilar i agree, i find that it also ressembles a little bit golf swing...the movement originates from the trunk(belly precisely) and extends to the arms, same in martial arts, shiatsu, javelot...

[@c.rucireta4755]

This channel has some of the best advices I ever got. It helped me A LOT. And for free. Thank you so much

[@James-op9ud]

Thank you!! I watched this video many times for years, every time I learned something. This is seems so simple that no teaching pro pay attentions

[@mikebonnell3160]

BRILLIANT. BRILLIANT. BRILLIANT. I've watched a dozen of his vids, and they are all stellar. Today as it began I thought to myself, "Whoa, bright orange t-shirt. That's ...special. Well, 2 minutes later - voila! The reason for it. This man is a brilliant coach & teacher. (I was a pretty good teacher for 20 years and I recognize brilliance when I see it).

[@kevinoshea2289]

Tonaz: Great stuff. You have identified my double error. I always move the foot backward both on the forehand and backhand unit turn, and do not just turn with the trunk. And I do not follow the ball, with my head down. I think I need an orange shirt. Kevin

[@questionwhatisyoursignatur5648]

Kevin O'Shea m

[@petercorbitt3469]

I have taken many lessons. This was so helpful. Thank you so much💪👍👍🙏

[@alvaromauriciocichellanune5412]

Mr. Tomaz I appreciate a lot your classes, thanks for teach us and I've been watching and puting in work everything you tell us in the videos and my tennis level got improved. Greetings from Chile

[@zhangjunyish]

Amazing introduction, crystal clear! Thanks a lot.

[@jkhan856]

You are a genius. Thank you for posting this lesson.

[@1114gabby]

Some of the best instruction available!

[@dirty_harry7822]

Excellent explanation, ill definitely try this next time i play, thanks

[@SyedAli-ev3ou]

Excellent.... you are simply one of the best on the net... Or any instructors I have met so far... Thanks.

[@GrumpyOldMan9]

The best tennis tips on KZbin, hands down

[@jeffingber1173]

Excellent reminders for this important aspect of preparation. Thank you!

[@bushidosakura1977]

Awsome stuff, Tomas, so clearly explained and well argumented... Hats off to you!

[@feeltennis]

Much appreciated!

[@satyaskinlaserandhairclini1379]

Awesome observation bro. You have solved a lot of issues in this video. A very important aspect of tennis which generally people neglect. Hats off.

[@karlopeternel7685]

Man, I improved so much I'm beating my trainer n those guys at the court because of your videos n from top tennis traing Thank you so much Thomas

[@akaebbassouan4979]

Des détails très pertinents et instructifs pour améliorer son jeu Thank U

[@mytennisjourney4949]

Great tips！I realized I’m poor in judge the depth of ball, and I don’t know why. Thanks a lot!

[@Under-dogGamer]

Great vid mate as coach myself i found some good teaching points appreciate it.respects from uk.

[@feeltennis]

Thank you, always nice to hear back from a fellow coach!

[@jcjessica]

Love it!❤👍 This video corrects all my mistakes😄🎾

[@remedypath5941]

Incredible instruction - thank you!!!!!

[@robertyacoub9705]

Fantastically detailed instruction. Thanks!

[@dimawood007]

Awesome tips. All coaches should watch your videos.

[@1114gabby]

Very important tip. I used to do this mistake and it will keep you from hitting solid shots!

[@kenpowell2128]

Just checking in to thank you - always Tomas (even if I don't comment); you are so kind to provide this kind of rich insight even beyond your paid instruction modules; you are committed to the gospel of good tennis fundamentals, paid or or not (so, people, check out his site at www.feeltennis.net...!)... Btw - you probably know Feisal Hassan (USA: D.C. area); he has some really great ideas about use of the eyes, watching the ball, head movement; so critical and very hard to break those little bad habits, esp. when exhausted and in 2nd or 3rd set...!

[@transdata3035]

Great lesson. Thanks!

[@johndelacruz4899]

This is great information. Now lemme try it. Thanks. And best regards from the philippines

[@2ndAveScents]

Thank you for showing me your unit.

[@albalatbat7582]

Great tips Coach thanks

[@guitesch]

Thank you for another precious video!

[@ReidVV]

Nice new logo animation. It fits the high quality of your lessons.

[@rayrozema5960]

Great points and explanation

[@PeterDMayr]

Fine for advanced players, but beginners and some intermediate need time to string all the movements and grip change. They also must move to the side and learn about ball speed,... this is more an open stance or step in attacking. But i agree, this is correct, if the ball is nice and the player can determine it to be so.

[@alfsearching]

you are an amazing teacher. thank you.

[@Garorso]

There is no one that can explain tennis better

[@shlemahzel]

Great advice, beautiful shirt... What a coach!

[@zhuzhu5129]

very nice advice

[@jin-keatlim2692]

Hi - like your videos, can't wait to see a video on short angle shots!

[@coachgresham]

Thanks!

[@jeanchristophecau527]

Clear and amazing! That's a great revelation thanks

[@peppio]

Good lessons .. never seen .. i appreciate Much this lesson

[@luuuuul_d2h]

Thank you. Exactly what I need.

[@bsmmhr1778]

Dear Tomas Thanks for explanation. But please note that almost 99% of players do not take the right foot backwards to prepare for a forehand shot, but instead they take the left foot forward for half or closed stance. I therefore suggest you talk about correction from that point of view.

[@zhengwei0204]

Probably that is not a mistake? Otherwise, how do people use the closed stance to hit anyway?

[@joshuaman01]

Coach Thomaz, I'll give this lesson a big "WOW".

[@peppio]

Thank you Tomas i play from 20 years and i make theese mistakes.. i Will try to correct them

[@Charmander009]

Great video so helpful

[@rohitrathi4552]

Thank you!

[@bilsonFPV]

Thats so helpful! Thank you !

[@dlind36]

Great tips.

[@patflynnauthor4512]

Great tips. However, shouldn't the inside foot make a small step to the side to shift the weight and help the upper body turn?

[@sadikhasan8033]

Holy shit. This is the mistake that I have been doing. Let me try this tomorrow and I will update you the result.

[@grace8854]

Much appreciated advice!

[@joakimster8431]

Another good video, thanx!

[@vincenzocasamentotumeo6595]

Very good video

[@중용-i5y]

Thank you

[@Birdnarvaez]

You are a legend!

[@jdromero2130]

Nice instructions! One problem I have in my unit turn is that I tend to turn more with the hitting arm rather than turning with the non dominant hand! Any tips about how I can fix this problem?

[@feeltennis]

Hold the racket longer with the non-dominant arm as you go into the preparation / unit turn. That applies to both forehand and the one-handed backhand strokes.

[@AmitabhDasGupta870]

Brilliant

[@karlopeternel7685]

Excellent

[@ynaglogger3015]

LOVE THIS

[@danielgomezgarzon]

Great Video !!!!

[@yakzivz1104]

Okay this video made me realize that I've been doing everything wrong! LOL

[@Specifically333]

I guess I have the same realization right now ...

[@rickmemmer5625]

I’m trying to work on the unit turn - and I will most certainly give this a shot. But if you look at Federer’s unit turn - this approach is not in line with his. Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

[@karlopeternel7685]

Thanks man

[@michaelshadler292]

Great.

[@tonyudofa8969]

Very useful

[@flanker909]

Thomas, what do you think about keeping the left hand connected to rackets throat while doing the unit turn and only disconnect once player starts the second stage (swinging down behind then accelerating through the ball)? Also, can you point me to a video of yours that shows teaching people especially kids how to generate good acceleration through the ball once the tip of the racket is below the hand and arm/racket forming an L shape? thanks a lot.

[@sarakarakach7982]

Very interesting and thanks for it. One small remark: on the pictures of the pro's with backhands maybe remove Nadal :-)

[@myself-ow7ji]

very important tip