Neutral Stance (Square Stance)
Also known as: neutral stance, square stance in tennis, neutral stance forehand, neutral stance backhand, step-in neutral stance
A neutral stance is when your front foot steps toward the net, so a line through your feet points at the net. It is also called a square stance. It lets you transfer weight forward into the ball. It suits short balls, approach shots and one-handed backhands.
Your feet set up the shot. In this one, the front foot steps forward toward the net. For a right-hander's forehand, the left foot steps forward. The feet line up roughly toward the net, with the body turned sideways.
Many coaches teach this setup first. It makes it easy to step into the ball and move your weight from back to front. That gives control and depth on balls you have time to reach.
It sits between closed and semi-open footwork. In a closed position, the front foot crosses over further. In the more open one, it swings toward the side. Step in this way on short and low balls and on approach shots. On wide or fast balls there is no time to step in, so open up instead.
Tips by skill level
Learn each new stroke by stepping toward the net as you swing. Finish with your weight on the front foot.
Keep the step-in as your option on short balls. Switch to a more open setup when the ball rushes you.
Example
On a short, low ball, she steps forward toward the net and drives a backhand approach deep down the line.
Why it matters
Each foot position suits a different ball. Stepping in gives you the forward weight transfer you need on short balls.
Common mistakes
- Stepping across too far, so the feet end up closed
- Stepping in on a wide ball with no time to set up
- Stepping forward but not moving weight onto the front foot
Frequently asked questions
What is a square stance in tennis?
It is another name for the neutral setup. The front foot steps toward the net, so a line through your feet points at the net.
Neutral or open stance for forehand?
Step in when you have time to reach a short or low ball. Use a more open setup on wide or fast balls.
Related terms
- Semi-Open StanceIn a semi-open stance your feet sit at about 45 degrees to the baseline, between a neutral and an open stance. It blends a forward step with hip and shoulder rotation. Many coaches use it as the default for neutral forehands. Switch to open stance on wide or fast balls and to neutral on short, low ones.
- Open StanceAn open stance positions both feet roughly parallel to the baseline at contact. This allows the hips to rotate powerfully through the ball without requiring a weight transfer step.
- Closed StanceA closed stance positions the front foot across the body at contact, promoting a natural weight transfer from back to front and simplifying the swing path for beginners.
- Approach ShotAn approach shot is struck off a short ball as the player moves toward the net, designed to put the opponent under pressure while allowing time to close into a volley position.
Related guides & benchmarks
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