How to Decide Between Open Stance & Closed

Summary

Preston’s Playbook coaching short on deciding between open and closed stance (serve context from tags). Open stance often frees hip rotation and shape; closed can feel more stable and repeatable. The skill is matching stance to the serve you want today — depth, spin, or consistency — instead of locking one stance forever.

Key takeaways

• Stance is a choice, not a personality trait
• Open often helps rotation/shape; closed helps stability
• Pick stance for the serve goal (pace vs consistency)
• Practice both so match pressure doesn’t freeze you

Action items

• 10 open + 10 closed serves; score depth and faults
• Match: pre-commit stance before each serve game
• Film contact height and balance for each stance
• Cue: ‘stance matches the serve I want’