Question about Plant Foot

[kcoates]

I'm wondering how much the plant foot has to do with power on your backhand. I seem to be spinning on my front foot instead of really getting a pivot and fully powering through. I feel like I'm losing any benefit i get from my lower body by doing so. So I'm asking...

1) Does the fact that I seem to be spinning mean I am losing power?

2) Any tips on correcting (if correction is needed)

[Mark Ellis]

Spinning smoothly is good.

If you plant down too hard, all that torque does a number on your knee. It sure did on mine, which is why I drive forehand.

There are players who drive with power but spin so smoothly and have such good balance they can throw on ice. Al Schack is a perfect example (Team Innova, former World Masters Champ). Of course they slide, that is the nature of ice, but they don't fall, don't flail and maintain power and control . On that same icy surface a player whose form is to plant firmly may well take a tumble.

I'm not sure if planting more firmly would give any significant increase in power. Even if it did, I'm not sure it would be worth it.