Tips for improving my forehand

[Mojo28]

I am trying to improve my forehand.
More often than not, I am not feeling confident with it.

I feel like I am not able to produce good amount of spin on it and my balls often go too long.
I also have troubles when hitting higher balls with it.

I would say I am using strong Eastern. Now I am thinking of switching to SW grip.
This is the video where I am trying to use SW. There are some horrible shots at the bottom of the net caused by this switch
Also, footwork is not the best, partially caused by concentrating on the grip switch. But otherwise, I would say that it looks similar to my standard forehand.
Do you see some major flows here?
Any comment is welcome! Be harsh

 

[fecund345]

You are hitting out of an open stance yet there is no trunk rotation. In addition, there isn't any loading of the hitting side leg. You are arm hitting with little power. Look up videos about hitting out of an open stance. One more thing, you must lean forward into shot, you are slightly backing up ost of the time.

 

[Bagumbawalla]

Well, it's hard to give a clear, definitive answer, because, you have a long way to go.
Side note- the backhand at 1:50 looked good.

Try working on getting into position and set up as soon as possible so that you csn
hit the ball in nearly the exact same way every time.

It seems that you are concentrating on "whipping" the racket around your body
with weight lagging on your rear (right) foot.

Try getting your weight moving more forward through the ball.
When you hit the ball think about the path your racket is plowing forward (low
to high) through the ball during impact.

 

[Mojo28]

Thank you both for comments.
I often get comments for FH that footwork and preparation is bad.
I still feel like even when I do that properly, it is still something crucially wrong in the shot.
I will try to record myself with my standard grip and concentrating on footwork/loading and post it to see if there is any difference…

 

[user92626]

You're suffering the classic problem that every mediocre player including myself is suffering. That is, lack of decent timing and (therein) good setup.

We simply don't track the ball well and don't set up properly. Your swing is decent though. No problem there.

 

[Bagumbawalla]

Good for beefing up your forehand coordination

 

[Mojo28]

I abandoned the idea of switching from Eastern to SW and concentrated on footwork an shoulder rotation.
It felt much better, pretty much effortless.
Here is the new video. What do you think?

Camera tilted at one point, hope you don't mind

 

[fecund345]

I abandoned the idea of switching from Eastern to SW and concentrated on footwork an shoulder rotation.
It felt much better, pretty much effortless.
Here is the new video. What do you think?

Camera tilted at one point, hope you don't mind

You put lipstick on a pig, what do you get? It does not become a beautiful bride.
If you do an open stance you have to load the hitting side leg. You have turn your upper body to get any power on your shot. Body still going backwardson impact.

 

[Mojo28]

So, bending knees more and transfering weight on right foot?
Didn’t get you if there is enough rotation in upper body?
Yeah, I noticed that I still need to work on transfering weight forward.

 

[fecund345]

So, bending knees more and transfering weight on right foot?
Didn’t get you if there is enough rotation in upper body?
Yeah, I noticed that I still need to work on transfering weight forward.

 

[fecund345]

@Mojo28 after you master this...i mean to where you can do this movement like walking ..then you can go to the next step...hold the racket with the same grip but at the butt end of your racket. The thumb, index finger, and the middle finger holding the racket. The ring finger and pinkie finger underneath the butt of racket not gripping it. Hit with this loose grip for two weeks and go back to your regular grip and you will find that grip went from a death grip 10 down to a professional grip 4. You will have a world class forehand that will be powerful with less effort and it will stay in more. After that try the eagle eye drill:

 

[Mojo28]

@fecund345 thanks! I started working on the suggestions.

Other than that, do you guys think my loop is too big on forehand? I am starting to think that this could also be a reason why I sometimes struggle with it.

 

[Curious]

Seems like that backhand loop will give you more headaches. What do you think?

 

[Mojo28]

Not really. Here, on this video is pretty bad but is usually much more consistent. And I can easily spin it, which is not the case with FH

 

[Dragy]

@fecund345 thanks! I started working on the suggestions.

Other than that, do you guys think my loop is too big on forehand? I am starting to think that this could also be a reason why I sometimes struggle with it.

It’s not about the size of the loop by itself. It’s about where you are by ball bounce. If you are still going back when the ball bounces, you are late. Maybe because of loop size, maybe just late.

If by the bounce you are fully turned, racquet in high&back position, and you only go down and forward from that moment, you are OK.

 

[Mojo28]

It’s not about the size of the loop by itself. It’s about where you are by ball bounce. If you are still going back when the ball bounces, you are late. Maybe because of loop size, maybe just late.

If by the bounce you are fully turned, racquet in high&back position, and you only go down and forward from that moment, you are OK.

Yeah, makes sense. I can see that, even though I felt my FH was good here, I still swing back after bounce almost always…

 

[user92626]

If by the bounce you are fully turned, racquet in high&back position, and you only go down and forward from that moment, you are OK.

Dragy, @AnyPUG @Curious @SystemicAnomaly @ChaelAZ @ballmachineguy @MyFearHand @mcs1970 @socallefty and all...


Do you guys think raising the racket high like Djokovic, Alcaraz is too high for us recreational players?

I swear I kinda could copy that high takeback/backswing but I found it very impractical and even a discrepancy when I have to drop the racket so much for recreational low balls. I mean, the balls at rec level are low most of the time!

Is this height of a takeback detrimental for hip-level balls?

 

[Curious]

Yes it is, for three reasons:
1. Rec player is too slow to prep to be able to use a high take back.
2. Rec player is usually too tight to drop the racket. So higher take back means even less drop.
3. Rec player doesn’t need to swing that fast hence the momentum from a high take back is unnecessary.

Here’s how a rec player should take his racket back.

 

[user92626]

Wow...this is very much like the games I play. I mean, the type of ball but even shorter since we stand around the baseline instead of several feet behind.

So, we can see a Djokovic type of takeback would create a big discrepancy or disjoint for the forward swing.

Alot of time I feel I need to do the Tiafoe backswing:

 

[AnyPUG]

Dragy, @AnyPUG @Curious @SystemicAnomaly @ChaelAZ @ballmachineguy @MyFearHand @mcs1970 @socallefty and all...


Do you guys think raising the racket high like Djokovic, Alcaraz is too high for us recreational players?

I swear I kinda could copy that high takeback/backswing but I found it very impractical and even a discrepancy when I have to drop the racket so much for recreational low balls. I mean, the balls at rec level are low most of the time!

Is this height of a takeback detrimental for hip-level balls?

imo, the high take back tends to promote flat swinging. I would say take the racket up as long as you are able to drop it down below the contact poiint by a foot or two at least.

 

[ballmachineguy]

Dragy, @AnyPUG @Curious @SystemicAnomaly @ChaelAZ @ballmachineguy @MyFearHand @mcs1970 @socallefty and all...


Do you guys think raising the racket high like Djokovic, Alcaraz is too high for us recreational players?

I swear I kinda could copy that high takeback/backswing but I found it very impractical and even a discrepancy when I have to drop the racket so much for recreational low balls. I mean, the balls at rec level are low most of the time!

Is this height of a takeback detrimental for hip-level balls?

No. It is what you do from that point that screws you up.

I could fix your forehand.

 

[user92626]

No. It is what you do from that point that screws you up.

I could fix your forehand.

So basically I screw up from the beginning!!!?

 

[ballmachineguy]

So basically I screw up from the beginning!!!?

Your words, not mine!

 

[user92626]

Your words, not mine!

Don't matter.

Anyhoo, what should I do? How should I swing the racket?

 

[ballmachineguy]

Anyhoo, what should I do? How should I swing the racket?

Hint: Differently than you do now.

 

[user92626]

Hint: Differently than you do now.

That's great. And just like that I have achieved the best FH.

I've sent out my payment check to you. Check your mail, k?

 

[Curious]

Don't matter.

Anyhoo, what should I do? How should I swing the racket?

There's nothing wrong with your forehand technically.

 

[user92626]

There's nothing wrong with your forehand technically.

Thanks, C.

I think much of my fh problem lies in the intangible such as intention, incorrect aiming. At least those areas need to play catchup.

 

[Curious]

Thanks, C.

I think much of my fh problem lies in the intangible such as intention, incorrect aiming. At least those areas need to play catchup.

Correct. It's not a mechanical issue. If you don't mind, post your video again and see what some reliable members will say about it. Like @socallefty for example, both a lefty and also only focused on fundamentals.

 

[user92626]

Correct. It's not a mechanical issue. If you don't mind, post your video again and see what some reliable members will say about it. Like @socallefty for example, both a lefty and also only focused on fundamentals.

I'll see about posting new vids, but I'm lazy ahell.

I don't mind getting a sloppier FH, I even expect it, if I can get better footwork. Running and playing a match will surely screw up our beautiful stationary forms, bud. LOL.

 

[Mojo28]

I'll see about posting new vids, but I'm lazy ahell.

I don't mind getting a sloppier FH, I even expect it, if I can get better footwork. Running and playing a match will surely screw up our beautiful stationary forms, bud. LOL.

Where can I find old videos?

 

[Cerdany]

Do a few hundred reps of shadow swings in front of a mirror. First at tai-chi speed and later at full swing speed.

After you've done this you can hit the court.

 

[Dragy]

Dragy, @AnyPUG @Curious @SystemicAnomaly @ChaelAZ @ballmachineguy @MyFearHand @mcs1970 @socallefty and all...


Do you guys think raising the racket high like Djokovic, Alcaraz is too high for us recreational players?

I swear I kinda could copy that high takeback/backswing but I found it very impractical and even a discrepancy when I have to drop the racket so much for recreational low balls. I mean, the balls at rec level are low most of the time!

Is this height of a takeback detrimental for hip-level balls?

I play on clay frequently and face lots of chest-height balls, and sometimes higher. It’s a pain. Without high takeback - I don’t know, it’s grief.

You can play far behind like Rafa of course. But somehow it’s not my cup of tea.

 

[Curious]

I play on clay frequently and face lots of chest-height balls, and sometimes higher. It’s a pain. Without high takeback - I don’t now, it’s grief.

From a lower take back can't you swing up to a chest high ball? Isn't it even better because you're well under the ball ( considering racket drop is usually quite shallow in rec tennis )?

 

[Mojo28]

Would you say my takeback is high?

 

[Dragy]

From a lower take back can't you swing up to a chest high ball? Isn't it even better because you're well under the ball ( considering racket drop is usually quite shallow in rec tennis )?

That will be too steep swing to use. I’d prefer like 30deg rising path, especially against higher balls.

You can arc your swing from low takeback to still hit flat or even downward, like Rafa does at times, but doesn’t feel as reliable as using high slot entry.

 

[user92626]

Would you say my takeback is high?

If 1:08 is your typical FH, then I'd say you have medium to low takeback. It's kinda ideal for recreational level as I have observed.

Very few balls in rec world bounce high.

 

[Bagumbawalla]

To work on the "feel" of hitting the ball try-

Get one of those elastic cords (ribbons or tubes). Attach to a wall or post
about a foot or so below your contact point. Holding on to the free end of the cord,
stretched out and slightly taught, practice your stroke. While going through the motions,
pay attention to your feet, legs, hips, shoulders- the muscle tensions, changes in balance...

Next, fill a liter bottle with water or sand and practice tossing (slinging) it over the net to
your target area...

When you get the feel of how to coordinate your body, weight, balance... try to duplicate
all that when hitting through the ball with your racket.

Next you need to practice getting into position. You can have a partner toss the ball to
your left and right slowly increasing the distance.

 

[ballmachineguy]

There's nothing wrong with your forehand technically.

Exactly, it just doesn’t work for him. I’m sure he found much comfort in you telling him his forehand is correct. What has it been, 10 years with no success?

 

[fecund345]

I am trying to improve my forehand.
More often than not, I am not feeling confident with it.

I feel like I am not able to produce good amount of spin on it and my balls often go too long.
I also have troubles when hitting higher balls with it.

I would say I am using strong Eastern. Now I am thinking of switching to SW grip.
This is the video where I am trying to use SW. There are some horrible shots at the bottom of the net caused by this switch
Also, footwork is not the best, partially caused by concentrating on the grip switch. But otherwise, I would say that it looks similar to my standard forehand.
Do you see some major flows here?
Any comment is welcome! Be harsh

Another key issue with the backhand and forehand groundstroke is that some players lo

I am trying to improve my forehand.
More often than not, I am not feeling confident with it.

I feel like I am not able to produce good amount of spin on it and my balls often go too long.
I also have troubles when hitting higher balls with it.

I would say I am using strong Eastern. Now I am thinking of switching to SW grip.
This is the video where I am trying to use SW. There are some horrible shots at the bottom of the net caused by this switch
Also, footwork is not the best, partially caused by concentrating on the grip switch. But otherwise, I would say that it looks similar to my standard forehand.
Do you see some major flows here?
Any comment is welcome! Be harsh

Another observation that I have made over the years. Tennis flat and topspin groundstrokes are not hit(slapped) they are pushed. As a player

I am trying to improve my forehand.
More often than not, I am not feeling confident with it.

I feel like I am not able to produce good amount of spin on it and my balls often go too long.
I also have troubles when hitting higher balls with it.

I would say I am using strong Eastern. Now I am thinking of switching to SW grip.
This is the video where I am trying to use SW. There are some horrible shots at the bottom of the net caused by this switch
Also, footwork is not the best, partially caused by concentrating on the grip switch. But otherwise, I would say that it looks similar to my standard forehand.
Do you see some major flows here?
Any comment is welcome! Be harsh

Groundstrokes, non slice, are pushed not hit(slapped). From the contact point in a closed position , the stroke should feel like you are pushing the ball to point 6 inches toward the net. I t nevers happens but it must feel like it( always about 1 to 5 ms). The pushing feeling is like shutting a drawer. It helps yiu direct the ball. With experience players learn to push faster and faster.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Do you think raising the racket high like Djokovic, Alcaraz is too high for us recreational players?

Is this height of a takeback detrimental for hip-level balls?

Personally, as a recovering high-takeback player, I can say I think it isn't detrimental, but I think a lower and more compact swing is better. I don't buy that it really messes up timing for faster or higher balls, since a) not many in rec level are consistently dealing with very fast balls coming in, and b) we see as much missed timing at the rec level across every style of stroke. That is to say, having a high takeback and changing it to a lower takeback isn't going to make massive improvements for most rec players, where practicing and learning to time whatever stroke you have will. Again, having had several coaches and mentors guide me changing my high takeback to a more compact stroke, it was fun but I thin there are bigger fish to fry. And then, if Alcz can hit one of the biggest and best forehand in tennis with a bit higher takeback than Djo or others, that should be proof enough. I am sure Del Po was already brought in too, but less-than-ideal to me.

That is for most rec players from 3.0 to 4.0, and maybe even 4.5. As I said, competitive juniors and those looking to go college or pro, there are advantages to being more compact and I would train that way. And it's also a good practice for rec players who just want to emulate and learn the different stroke, like I wanted to.

 

[AnyPUG]

there are bigger fish to fry

I agree - possible to make either one work well.

What are these bigger fish when it comes to ground strokes? imo, two things -
1 Early preparation(completion of unit turn, and feet setup)
2 Initiating the swing(the complete loop of backswing, drop, flip, forward swing) at the correct time to "catch" the ball well in front

A focus on prep and timing of the loop execution will probably carry the weight a lot more than anything else.