The concept of "Show The Logo" is basic to VJTTA tennis instruction.  We believe that it is the cornerstone of sound groundstrokes and volleys.  All of our coaches are instructed in this concept and encourage their players to use the techniques involved. If kids incorporate the "show the logo" concept into their tennis early on, they are going to be more  successful and get more enjoyment out of the game.  (See the related article "Show The Logo" in the Tutorial section).

On the left are some players showing the logo on their forehand side.  Note the unit turn and stillness of their hands.  On the right the same players are showing the logo on their backhands. They are ready for any ball hit to them at this point. 

The "Show The Logo" concept is important for 3 reasons.  First, if the player shows his logo as part of his unit turn he will never be late in preparing for a groundstroke.  The player's backswing from the show-the-logo position is determined by how much time he has available before the ball is upon him.  If the oncoming ball is a screamer and going to bounce close to him, there is virtually no time for a backswing, so he will simply block the ball back, like a half-volley, from the show-the-logo position.  In this case the player will not have to generate much pace himself to get the ball back over the net, and he can utilize or take advantage of the pace that is already on the ball.

If the oncoming ball is hit slower then there is more time to prepare to hit the ball.  A longer backswing is not only permissible in this case but is required, because with the slower-paced oncoming ball more energy will be needed to drive the ball back over the net.  The player will have to provide some of this energy with a longer backswing.

Second,  by preparing the backswing from the show-the-logo position, it is easier to put topspin on the ball. Judging the oncoming ball while in the show-the-logo position to see where it is likely to be in the hitting zone, the player can adjust the backswing such that the racquet head will always be coming from below the level of the ball at contact.  On high balls or low balls, whether using a straight-back backswing or a loop backswing, when starting from the show-the-logo position it is easier to get the racquet down so that it will always come from below, proving the needed topspin.

Third, showing the logo facilitates a good shoulder turn. When showing the logo is incorporated with the unit turn (pivoting of the feet in the direction of the ball), the shoulders are naturally turned perpendicular to the net. From this position, the forward swing of the racquet is energized initially and foremost by turning the shoulders back to a parallel-with-the-net position.  The arm and racquet are more or less "along for the ride" at this point.  This will result in a straighter swing path, a more consistent swing, and fewer errors.  For more info on the show-the-logo concept, see the related  "Show Me The Logo" article in the VJTTA Strokes and Mechanics section in the Tutorials section.  To see how the pros show the logo, watch any of the videos in the Videos  Section.

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