Catching Your Forehand Like Agassi

[SquashPlayer]

I noticed on this video and others that Agassi "catches"
his forehand with his non-dominant hand. I tried this and
it does keep the followthrough complete and consistent.

Anyone else out there have experience with this ?

- SquashPlayer



http://youtube.com/watch?v=4FD8gktuLxk

[BravoRed691]

I catch my racket on my followthru as well ... Something i never really thought about too much .. not sure if i helps me complete MY follow through ...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=N9MMqIHBVVM&feature=user

Br

[Ross K]

I'm guessing it's one of those things, like pointing at the incoming ball on the fh, that was popularized some years ago but has lessened a bit in popularity in recent years with upcoming players. As to it's effectiveness, unfortunately I couldn't say.

[Vision84]

There is a video on fuzzy yellow balls that discusses this. I think it is in advanced forehand techniques if you want to have a look.
http://www.fuzzyyellowballs.com/

[Bungalo Bill]

I noticed on this video and others that Agassi "catches"
his forehand with his non-dominant hand. I tried this and
it does keep the followthrough complete and consistent.

Anyone else out there have experience with this ?

- SquashPlayer



http://youtube.com/watch?v=4FD8gktuLxk

Yes, it is usually an easily forgotten technique/tool. I use it when I feel I am rotating too quickly and too much. If I teach the forehand, I always incorporate it to teach proper body rotation.

[TonyB]

I never thought about my follow-through until I saw Federer play and watched his arm wrap around his head. I realized that my follow-through is almost exactly like Agassi's, maybe even a bit more shortened.

Anyways, it's pretty normal. There is no "proper way" to do it. Whatever feels comfortable and allows you to swing freely.

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

I learnt my technique from a pro from an Australian * Peter Burwash pro*, who always empathized proper technique in catching the forehand, and footwork, at the same time accelerating through the ball. I would say I kept he forehand as technical as possible and it’s my best shot and have more variety off that wing rather than my backhand.

[Bungalo Bill]

Whatever feels comfortable and allows you to swing freely.

I have always loved this mythical advice. :)

[BeHappy]

I really like this coaching tip actually, it works.

[TonyB]

I have always loved this mythical advice. :)


Well, it is definitely very abstract advice. Definitely not something you can use as a coach. You need something more concrete.

I guess my point is that if something is unnatural or uncomfortable for you, or causes you pain, then it's probably not something you want to incorporate into your game. There is probably a better way to improve your tennis game by choosing something that fits your body mechanics better.

Better?

[Bungalo Bill]

Well, it is definitely very abstract advice. Definitely not something you can use as a coach. You need something more concrete.

Yes, much better. I understood what you meant. However, there are many things in tennis that seem natural that need to be corrected. This is true for most sports. :)

There are a lot of uncomfortable things that should be practiced and learned. Learning doesn't always consider the "easy" route or the "natural" route. In other words, it isn't a blanket statement.

If it causes pain, that is a different story and one would have to examine the correctness of the stroke itself. However, natural doesnt always lead to good technique or the correct stroke for the person (2hnder or 1hnder).

There is probably a better way to improve your tennis game by choosing something that fits your body mechanics better.

Better?

Now, this I can agree with, however, what fits your body mechanics isn't always the natural or what feels right way. Sometimes it is quite the opposite and is something that the mind/body has to get used too.

[Tennis_Monk]

Well, it is definitely very abstract advice. Definitely not something you can use as a coach. You need something more concrete.

I guess my point is that if something is unnatural or uncomfortable for you, or causes you pain, then it's probably not something you want to incorporate into your game. There is probably a better way to improve your tennis game by choosing something that fits your body mechanics better.

Better?

Most players when they learn tennis feel very comfortable serving with Forehand grips (ofcourse those are beginners serves) which might seem like fitting the body mechanics. But we all know that isnt the right technique for an effective tennis serve. One needs to use the continental (or backhands grips) to get a good consistent effective serve.

[orangettecoleman]

many many players used to do that, it's fallen by the wayside since the early 80s though. actually that jimmy arias article in the newest tennis magazine talks about that- how he was one of the first to let the arm wrap around without catching it.