Intermediate
Unit Turn
A unit turn is rotating the hips and shoulders together as one unit when preparing for a groundstroke, instead of just taking the racquet back with the arm.
The unit turn creates a loaded, coiled position with hip-and-shoulder separation that stores energy for the forward swing. Taking the racquet back with only the arm — no body turn — is a common cause of late, weak, arm-only strokes. The turn should begin the instant you read the ball’s direction.
Example
On a forehand, the player turns shoulders and hips so the non-dominant shoulder points at the incoming ball before the racquet starts forward.
Related terms
- Split StepA split step is a small hop timed to the moment your opponent strikes the ball. It primes your legs to push off explosively in any direction.
- Racquet DropThe racquet drop is the moment after the shoulder turn when the racquet head drops below the wrist, setting up a whipping, low-to-high motion through contact.
- TopspinTopspin is forward spin imparted by brushing up the back of the ball. It makes the ball dip down into the court and kick up high after the bounce.
Related guides & benchmarks
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