Change of Direction Groundstroke Errors

Jonathan Stokke

This video breaks down the most common groundstroke mistake—changing direction down the line—and explains when it’s actually the right play, based on court position, timing, and strategy

Key Points

The Most Common Error:
The #4 Stokke error—changing direction on a cross-court ball by going down the line—is the most common and high-risk groundstroke mistake due to timing, angle, and reduced margin.
Shot Difficulty Ranking (Easiest to Hardest):
Cross-court reply to cross-court shotCross-court reply to down-the-line shotDown-the-line reply to down-the-line shotDown-the-line reply to cross-court shot (most error-prone)
When Going Down the Line is Acceptable:
Only do it when:
You're inside the baselineYou're inside the singles sidelineThere's a strategic reason (opponent out of position or weak side)

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