Moving up but, need a midterm report...

[chris2k5]

Well,

I have been playing for over a year now and over this period of time, my technique has changed more than I have changed racquets...

Anyways, basically I just wanted to ask you guys more about correct technique. The person I have as a coach is on tour in Paris and well, I can't get a hold of him.

Back to the main point...I hit all out flat off both sides and I was wondering since I have recently seen the match between Elena Dementieva and Lindsay at the USOpen 2005. Both ladies hit flat balls and the only difference I see is that Elena uses forced power while Lindsay uses natural raw power.

Who has the correct technique and currently I play a lot more like Elena. I found that since this type of game is more high risk because of low net clearance, maybe it would be more benefitial to model my technique after Lindsay?

*For reference: I and right handed. I currently use a Semi-Western Forehand and my backhand is also Semi-Western; (Bottom hand is eastern and top hand is at the Semi-Western position and sometimes go up to the Western area.

I really a lot of the time go for broke on the forehand (Yeah I am working on it). When I actually do perfect the shot, it is usually unreturnable...Well when I am playing with some people...

Thanks for your help.

[chris2k5]

:( Anyone? I definately need help.

[Sagittar]

you should stick with what's working with you because you'll never stop seeing techniques that you like ever .. sure i think that lindsay's way is better but not everyone can adapt to it nor use it with success

[Bagumbawalla]

This is a hard question to answer.

It is slightly odd that you use a semi-western grip and choose to hit essentially flat balls.

If you like to go-for-broke on your shots, I suggest a bit more topspin to bring the ball down. This will also give you a bit more angle to work with.

Also, I suggest that when you practice, have your partner hit slow, sliced, air-balls to you on both sides. It is easy to create pace off of pace, but the slow balls will force you to generate your own pace through good form. Doing that may help you to find the style that works best for you.

Sorry I cannot be more helpful,

B

[goober]

Impossible to give you a midterm report. We never saw you play at the beginning, we can't see you play now unless you post some before and after videos. If it makes you feel better I will give you a B+ :) Serisously wait till your coach comes back he is likely the only who can give you a reliable inidicator of how you are doing.

I will say that hitting flat off both sides is not likely to be recommended by many coaches. You have to be a very pure ball striker for this to work since it is a lower percentage shot.