Preparation and timing on the forehand.

[Kobble]

I am doing a small project comparing the preparation along with the timing of top players forehands. I know most instructors suggest that racquet prep is the single most distinguishing aspect which separates all levels of play, and that has led me to investigate it further. I will post the results as soon as I complete it, and I may include some other stuff I have analyzed as well. However, I was wondering how do many of you think your timing compares with the top professionals? Do you believe your preparation needs improvement?

[Kobble]

My results are done. I analyzed the forehand prep of Agassi, Muster, Sampras, Haas, Kuerten, Moya, Safin, Kucera, Ivanisevic, Rafter, Krajicek, Becker, and Corretja. I used two categories consisting of how early they get their shoulders turned, and when they complete the backswing. For each category I used the technique each individual pro was using the most, and then put that in a column of results.

How early they achieve a shoulder turn of at least 65 degrees to the net.

Before the ball passes the net.= 9 players 69%
When the ball reaches the net= 2 players 15%
After the ball passes the net= 2 players 15%


When they complete the backswing.

Before the bounce= 1 player 7.7%
As the ball bounces=4 players 30.7%
Slightly after the ball bounces= 7 players 53.8%
Well after the bounce= 1 player 7.7%

From this data it would be safe to say that players should try to get their shoulders turned before the ball crosses the net, and complete the backswing when the ball hits the ground, or slightly after for most forehand groundstrokes.

[Max G.]

Maybe it depends on what grip they're using? Is there a correlation there?

[joebedford]

All I know is that it really hit me when I went to Memphis how the pros get their racquet back early, and I have been trying to incorporate that into my game, and it has helped BIG TIME. It helps to get into that zone where hitting good shots is almost effortless.

[Kobble]

In response to Max G, I didn't find any significant correlation between players with different grips. However, the dept that the ball was hit did slightly influence their timing. For that exact reason, I took the timing that each player used the most, which should give a very good idea of what they do for most routine groundstrokes. I will give you the results for each individual so that you can see where the percentages came from, and who fit into what category. Keep in mind, the intent of this study was to see what the majority of top pros do for a majority of their forehand shots.

How early they make a shoulder turn of at least 65 degrees to the net.
Before the ball passes the net= Agassi(SW), Haas(SW), Kuerten(SW), Moya(W), Ivanisevic(?), Krajicek(?), Sampras(E), Muster(W), and Safin(SW).
When the ball reaches the net= Kucera(?) and Rafter(?)
After the ball passes the net= Becker(?) and Corretja(?)

How early they complete the backswing.
Before the bounce= Haas(SW)
As the ball bounces= Kuerten(SW), Moya(W), Corretja(?) and Kucera(?)
Slightly after the ball bounces= Agassi(SW), Safin(SW), Ivanisevic(?), Rafter(?), Becker(?), Krajicek(?) and Sampras(E)
Well after the ball bounces= Muster(W)

I do not know each and every players grip style so I left some with a question mark. I hope it answers your questions.