I have no idea, but separation gives a longer takeback without taking the rackethand too far behind your body, and like a slice stroke, starts momentum forwards by giving you an a gravity assist, like a slice stroke.
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- Thread starter Ash_Smith
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I have no idea, but separation gives a longer takeback without taking the rackethand too far behind your body, and like a slice stroke, starts momentum forwards by giving you an a gravity assist, like a slice stroke.
Mack-2
Professional
Hey Ash, if you can answer the same question for the double handed backhand as well. Why is it better to separate the left elbow from the body in the backswing?
RajS
Semi-Pro
Well, I think I have worked out the answer to my question over the weekend... at least, to my satisfaction. I think "separating the elbow" is a way to activate the shoulder and engage it in the stroke, and that's why doing it makes the forehand feel easier to extend and more powerful, as opposed to doing the whole stroke with the elbow stuck to the body. That's good enough for my level of tennis!
Chas Tennis
G.O.A.T.
There is an indoor court where I can take a look at 16 doubles players and their strokes. The players are typically 20-60 years old, NTRP 3.0-4.0 with a few 4.5s. A friend of mine once said that he looked over many tennis courts in a public park. He said '......and you could really see that most players were self taught'.....and had their own strokes. Since then I try to look for the commonalities in average player's strokes, particularly their stroke flaws.
If you have looked over courts in the same way, what are a few of the more widespread and important flaws that you see? Could you list according to significance.
If you have looked over courts in the same way, what are a few of the more widespread and important flaws that you see? Could you list according to significance.
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onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
Thanks for making this thread, Ash.
One area I'd like to work on is my spacing and footwork. Any suggestions on how I can improve the following?
One area I'd like to work on is my spacing and footwork. Any suggestions on how I can improve the following?
- spacing to the ball. I tend to be too cramped. I've started focusing on having my elbow higher during the takeback and this seems to help.
- footwork to efficiently get in position to the ball so that I can hit a consistent groundstroke at the same contact point/height. Namely, moving back, forward, diagonally to put myself in the best position. I notice the pros are great at this.
- when I am pulled wide and on the run my cross court forehand tends to be weak and I don't get enough on it. Is this also related to #2 above?
I certainly won't. It is not a priority for me. I am doing very well against a variety of 4.0 players in singles and doubles, including those much younger than me. and moreover will not play more than 1 set/hour at a time anymore. So I cannot even prove any level even if I become a 7.0 as I will not play best of 3 or 5.
I have recently mastered the trophy position in the serve. Now I am working on a straight-arm forehand.
ARKustom93
Professional
Seeing is believing(and if you do put up a clip, I sincerely hope it doesn't suffer the same fate as that(by now) infamous 'other one')
