Two simple questions: forehand and backhand

[anubis]

Hi,

Had a long training session this weekend and it got me thinking about two specific things when it comes to the mechanics of the forehand and backhand. I came to a few conclusions and want to verify their truthfulness before I begin to really practice them intensely. Thanks in advance.

Question 1 - Forehand: Loading weight into my right leg (I'm right-handed). If I don't load weight into my right leg, my forehand is more reliable, predictable, higher net clearance and decidedly less pace.

When I do load weight, net clearance is less, power and pace increase significantly. I can take a faster cut at the ball and it still stays low.

HOWEVER, question is: I found that the longer I delay in pushing up with my right leg prior to hitting gave me higher % of success and greater power. Almost to the point where if I push away from the ground just prior to ball contact, that was better. If I began pushing away either during take back, or right as I began the swing, that felt too soon. And, if I pushed up too soon, a lot of shots sailed long.

TL/DR: I found that pushing up from the ground at the very last minute was best. Is this a correct finding on my part, or am I doing it wrong and I just got lucky?



Question 2 - Backhand: "straight arming-it". I have a one handed BH. I wish I had a 2 handed, but no matter how hard I try, I can't use 2 hands. I practically fall over and lose my balance.

That being said, on my 1HBH, if I don't get the proper distance between my body and the ball, I find that I have to bend my right arm while swinging the racquet.

However, If I place myself properly, I find that as I swing, I straighten my right arm completely, both during the swing, through to contact point, and the follow through as well.

Why does it feel better to have my arm completely straight when I hit the BH? Is that a better/proper technique? Or did I just get lucky and I shouldn't worry myself about it?

thanks again

[LeeD]

Backhand...
Straight elbow, longer leverage, more power, harder to create proper spacing, so less consistent and harder to learn for match play.

[fuzz nation]

When that arm is out straight at contact with your backhand, you get your full swing radius and a consistent hitting zone (the racquet is the same distance from your shoulder, etc.) If your elbow is bent through contact, it's harder to know just where your sweet spot will be as you swing, but the racquet also travels a little slower given the same swing tempo.

Some of us simply have a stronger aptitude for hitting a one-hander than a two-hander. I prefer a one-hander myself, but have worked on an acceptable two-hander for certain shots when I have to fight off a ball that gets in on me. I'll also take some aggressive cuts at a return of serve with the quicker "set-and-fire" two-hander, but not so much. For some players, the one-hander can be a clearly superior option.

Sounds like you've found the right timing for your leg drive in that forehand - always a good thing. As long as you don't have a quick snatch at the ball happening, you're probably making a good move on the ball that's initiating from the ground up. Carry on...

[thecode]

some coaches talk about waiting as long a possible before making your move into the ball, much like you seem to describe.
A straight arm on your backhand reduces the variables and allows you to be more aggressive without inducing errors. A bent arm extending into the backhand contact is too hard to time with the great consistency you need in todays game.

[anubis]

Thanks guys... I will carry on!