Can you change your game without changing mechanics and footwork? The answer is yes, of course, sort of!
I have a good case study in this. A senior player came to me and did not want to change forehand or backhand and wanted to get better. Each lesson we worked on the non-technique things such as positioning, serves, mental tenacity, preparation and shot selection. I did not go into forehand or backhand other than to explain how limited the improvement would be. I showed each lesson how footwork, and technique can limit shot selection.
Dude improved and began winning and even won a skill level national title. Then came the plateau. Then came the “aha” moment! He saw the reasons and saw why he needed to change.
So when a pro, any pro from club level to super celeb pro tells you that you do not have to change your stroke mechanics, they are correct, sort of. In my mind you are the customer and I am the paid consultant. You have the freedom to embrace how much of my coaching you wish to incorporate into your game. I do not make anyone change anything. I do not make people come to me. I do not recruit and beg athletes to work with me. In some cases I make it downright hard to work with me because I want to make sure the athlete is motivated to learn!
I offer this solution to athletes. You can change your game without changing forehand and backhand and improve 20%. Change the forehand and backhand and the improvement jumps 50% and higher.
Change….or not! You be the judge!!