Big or Compact Forehand Swing

[Bilbo]

What's more effective, big forehand backswing or compact forehand backswing. The two comparisons I'd like to make are Aaron Krickstein (compact) or Nikolay Davydenko (big). Now, mind you I'm currently using a hawaiian grip for my forehand (i know, it's crazy but ive been with it forever now). Traditionally I was using a more compact backswing which i experienced some success with, but my teaching pro told me to use a bigger backswing, the comparison he used was davydenko (when my forehand used to be more like Krickstein's). Upon making the change I experienced some a lot more success initially, but as I've continued playing I'm beginning to experience more and more problems with my big backswing, one's that I didn't have with my compact backswing.

So, my question is, given my grip, should I stick with the big backswing and try to work out the kinks I'm experiencing, or should I go back to my less powerful, but consistent compact backswing, perfecting that??

 

[user92626]

You should adopt a swing that gives you sufficient power to play with. That's the key. You'll get killed if your shots are underpowered. You'll get tired out fast or late if you always go for power. Make sense?

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

Davydenko has a big backswing? If that's your idea of big, go for it. I'd consider his forehand fairly compact when you compare it to guys like Gonzo or Soderling.

But to attempt to actually answer your question, you should use a backswing that provides enough power, yet is not too big to where you can't control it or hit the ball cleanly.

 

[jmjmkim]

 

[LeeD]

Your forehand swing, like every other swing, has to achieve a balance of consistency and power.
Consistency so you don't miss, hit wide, short, long, and give away points.
Power, so the opponent has to respect that shot, power so you can hit winners and forcing shots.
The balance of the two tells you how much backswing and followthru you need.
After you achive some semblance of balance, you have to work on accuracy.

 

[Charlzz]

Davydenko might have a fairly compact swing for today's pros. Comparing him to the ultra huge swing of del Potro is unrealistic.

As compact as Agassi's strokes were, Krickstein was even shorter.

Here is a slowmo video

Aaron Krickstein Slomo Vid

 

[ManuGinobili]

Set out some practice time and try the longer swing, then try it out in competitive situations... and spend some time and evaluate which one is better. There is no clear cut answer that fits everyone, you have to find the happy medium for yourself.

 

[martini1]

If your swing took too long to prepare or to recover, it is useless unless you hit a winner every time. Sometimes a compact swing is enough if you can hit the ball back deep.

 

[thebuffman]

i am glad you started this thread because i've wondered about this myself. my size and build is similar to tsonga except i am a lot older with a few more lbs (230lbs). anyhoo people kept telling me that i needed to extend out more on my shot and not keep it so close to my body. then i saw tsonga's strong and was like wth?! so i've been learning how to extend out on my shot but in the back of my mind i am asking, 'why am i spending time learning this when my compact stroke was just as effective and always hitting deep?'

but i've given into the pressure and am now concentrating on a locked elbow at contact.

 

[paulfreda]

I don't like the idea of changing something if its working for you.
If you feel comfortable with a compact swing, do not give it up !

Nothing wrong with working on another type of swing too.
But you do not have to have one and only one swing.
For a match it is best ot use only one, but things change and
you may go back and forth with the two swings or you may
just benefit from the different things you learn with the 2nd swing.

But never give up anything that works to satisfy SOMEONE ELSE'S IDEA of what is "correct' or "best"

Imagine if someone changed Borg's swing ...... too much topspin ?
Or Monica Seles ....... too much wrist ?
Or Fernando Gonzolaz ...... too big a swing ?

Trust yourself and what works for you.

JMHO

 

[papa]

Your forehand swing, like every other swing, has to achieve a balance of consistency and power.
Consistency so you don't miss, hit wide, short, long, and give away points.
Power, so the opponent has to respect that shot, power so you can hit winners and forcing shots.
The balance of the two tells you how much backswing and followthru you need.
After you achive some semblance of balance, you have to work on accuracy.

Yeah, I mean this is what its all about. If you lack accuracy and consistency you might as well fold your tent. Many think that they can just belt the ball as hard as possible and eventually everything will work out - it won't.

 

[Blake0]

I'd say be able to do both. Keep it compact when you're defensive/play consistently. Take bigger cuts to put more mph and get on offense. Go inbetween as a rallyshot to keep the point at neutral (not too big that you hit too many unforced/nor too compact that your opponents able to attack it). It depends on how well you move, anticipate, etc. If you're able to move and anticipate very well, you'll get to position early and will be able to take more big cuts at the ball. Likewise, if you don't, you'll need more of a compact swing to stay consistent.