Is there a leg preference for the Fade vs Draw? I would assume both are possible on either leg, but for example, I think the Draw prefers a right leg load to be able to get on the outside more. But what about for Fade?
I'm leaving the below for the "step down come-around" but rereading your question makes me think I missed your situation slightly. Your shot here with just stepping to parallel is similar, and a bit more desirable and normal. But...they both tend to go better with the outside draw on average. Sometimes we see a Fade that looks a bit forced with the step-arounds.
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I would say that is generally not a top preference, but really fits more into certain situations. When pulled so wide that you can't stop and load for the shot, then the 'come-around' compensates nicely for that unchecked momentum. Some players use it for attack short balls with that same issue, along with another at times. The other is trying to hit real hard. This is probably not the best approach for a number reasons. First is that you don't need such a large hip movement to generate power, so why do it and hurt your court position. 2nd is the 'step down come-around' seems to work better with the outside draw shot, so unless you are trying to get extra topspin (instead of big power), why use such a big motion when it's not needed?
What about step-around footwork, when you load back leg in neutral/semi-open stance, push off of it and step wide in line with front foot as you follow-through?
Well said Devin. There are so many variables involved, but in my experience some version of the semi-open or even the hyper open are more optimal. That said, you can really hit a nice dipping draw from crossover, closed stance. As Devin stated, use of the outside leg is key and explains why the neutral stance is actually probably the least desirable of the stances. The Neutral stance is best for pushing "through" the center of the ball with your power vector, which is generally not something a player should seek to do. Stepping out to one of the open stances or even across to a closed stance can both enhance a player's ability to work the racket across the contact even as travels up and thru it.
I'm leaving the below for the "step down come-around" but rereading your question makes me think I missed your situation slightly. Your shot here with just stepping to parallel is similar, and a bit more desirable and normal. But...they both tend to go better with the outside draw on average. Sometimes we see a Fade that looks a bit forced with the step-arounds.
.................................
I would say that is generally not a top preference, but really fits more into certain situations. When pulled so wide that you can't stop and load for the shot, then the 'come-around' compensates nicely for that unchecked momentum. Some players use it for attack short balls with that same issue, along with another at times. The other is trying to hit real hard. This is probably not the best approach for a number reasons. First is that you don't need such a large hip movement to generate power, so why do it and hurt your court position. 2nd is the 'step down come-around' seems to work better with the outside draw shot, so unless you are trying to get extra topspin (instead of big power), why use such a big motion when it's not needed?
What about step-around footwork, when you load back leg in neutral/semi-open stance, push off of it and step wide in line with front foot as you follow-through?
Neither are stance dependent, but for the forehand wing I find more success on outside leg for both fades and draws