On the court, you need to know what your stance is- but the problem is, there are a lot of different stances and styles to choose from! Whether you’re competitive or playing for fun, here are the pros and cons of using open and closed stances, and the best times to use both of them.

Taking An Open Stance
When you step up to the sidelines on your dominant leg, that’s an open stance. Your feet are nearly at the same angle as the net, which allows you to hit the ball with a little more topspin than in other scenarios. It can also help you ensure you get to the ball as fast as possible, which might make or break a game. However, an open stance can also be more difficult for a beginning player- after all, it requires a better control over your rotation and weight to ensure more power behind your swing.

Closing Your Stance
Closed stances can also be helpful. When you strike a closed stance- which is often one of the first stances you learn- your non-dominant foot is the one closest to the net, almost perpendicular. Closed stances aren’t quite as helpful for quick timing or fast action, so you might want to go with an open stance if you’re playing in a competition setting. If you’re just playing a casual match, a closed stance might be the best choice, because it’s less taxing and a little less difficult for beginners to master.

The Best Stances For Your Match
Whatever you’re playing, there can be a lot of stances to choose from. With these tips about open and closed stances, you’ve got the tools you need to move forwards in your game- and the know-how to practice better. Both open and closed stances can help your game, but in different ways. Keep an eye out for them during your next match.