Coaches challenge :Fix the forehand

[amit_ace]

Guys,

I am habitual of using lower half of my arm for my forehand.Basically I flick my wrist and rotate my hand with elbow as pivot. This serves great at slow speeds but against fast returns it is pathetic plus I am not able to generate any speed at all. I wud greatly appreciated any tips advice on how to fix it. I "theoretically" know the technique. I need a few practical pointers on how to break my "bad" habit and learn powerful and consistent forehand.

Thanks for ur help......

 

[MPC37]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t3auwuvJNk

take a look there at federer's forhand. You have to notice that he does not use his wrist for any power. When you hit your forehand, try to focus on using your legs and your shoulder for power.

 

[damasta55]

thats what i do too, i posted a question a bit back, but what other posters suggested was to bend your knees, meet the ball lower and swing from low to high, with the motion being natural and without flicking your wrist. hope this helps

 

[unsung]

Hiya, I had the same problem (still working on it), but recently I switched to a more semi-western grip from eastern, and I find it really forces my wrist to lay back in the correct position. Also, I find it helpful to sort of "****" the wrist when I take the racquet back- so my wrist is laid back and also the racquet face is facing the ground (at a 45 degree angle). Then when I swing (using the semi-western grip), my wrist naturally lays back.

 

[amit_ace]

First of all thanks for ur time.Guys I know all the theory.I want ur suggestion on some mental steps or ways 2 break the habit.i have a semi western grip.Any advice is welcome...
TIA

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Guys,

I am habitual of using lower half of my arm for my forehand.Basically I flick my wrist and rotate my hand with elbow as pivot. This serves great at slow speeds but against fast returns it is pathetic plus I am not able to generate any speed at all. I wud greatly appreciated any tips advice on how to fix it. I "theoretically" know the technique. I need a few practical pointers on how to break my "bad" habit and learn powerful and consistent forehand.

Thanks for ur help......

You need to learn to bring the racquet forward from the shoulder and put your lower arm in a semi-relaxed position. Hit balls that are fed slower to you so you give time form your brain to learn which muscles to fire first, second, third, to complete the swing.

The initial move forward is a pull from the shoulder. As your elbow moves in front of the body, it becomes more of a push through the ball. This is not to be confused with being a "pusher". These are two different things we are talking about.

Extension out to the target is a must and helps build and prepare the muscles to lengthen the swing during an intense rally consistently.

 

[bribeiro]

I have a question, what is the purpose of flicking your wrist? IS it to make contact out in front of you?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I have a question, what is the purpose of flicking your wrist? IS it to make contact out in front of you?

Do not flick your wrist. This is not a wrist release definition. It is a definition of what gives the wrist release a bad name. It is not the same.

The wrist release simply uses the body's natural spring or rubberband mechanisms.

The flick is a forced move. However, with this said, many players will "flick" their wrist on slower balls to create angle or touch. Others may force the hand forward on a ball that is wide of which they will have a difficult time hitting on time and getting it back into the court.

Even on the sharp angles shots, a simple wrist release can do the trick as well without forcing anything.

The other thing is some players will make a slight push in the hand aorund contact. This takes the wrist release a step further and is now being talked about and discussed. This can be seen on slo-mo video and is a delicate move rather than a forceful move.

 

[Tim Tennis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t3auwuvJNk

take a look there at federer's forhand. You have to notice that he does not use his wrist for any power. When you hit your forehand, try to focus on using your legs and your shoulder for power.

You have to be careful in watching some of the Federer clips, he is the master. A lot of what he does with his wrist depends on the direction he wants the ball to go and the amount of spin he wants to impart to the ball.

 

[amit_ace]

Guys thanks for ur helpful posts. My issue is i will flick my wrist and also rotate my lower arm with my elbow as the pivot leading to either lots of mishits or short balls when i get fast returns.

 

[amit_ace]

Bill can you please elaborate ur first post a little...

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Bill can you please elaborate ur first post a little...

In what way?

 

[amit_ace]

Bill do u mean i just keep my elbow relaxed and start the push from the shoulder....

 

[cervelo]

You need to learn to bring the racquet forward from the shoulder and put your lower arm in a semi-relaxed position. Hit balls that are fed slower to you so you give time form your brain to learn which muscles to fire first, second, third, to complete the swing.

The initial move forward is a pull from the shoulder. As your elbow moves in front of the body, it becomes more of a push through the ball. This is not to be confused with being a "pusher". These are two different things we are talking about.

Extension out to the target is a must and helps build and prepare the muscles to lengthen the swing during an intense rally consistently.

^^^^ This is the best "simplified" forehand advice you will ever hear ...period. Using too much wrist is risky and inconsistent ... get good extension and your "ball feel" and "deep ball" consistency will increase dramatically ...

Understand that developing a forehand takes time ... The lengthy process will ingrain that forehand through lots of experience - be patient and let yourself learn it ... it will happen!!!

Here's my favorite FH post and I keep re-hashing it b/c BB is great in his explanation:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=31382

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Bill do u mean i just keep my elbow relaxed and start the push from the shoulder....

yes, but it is a pull first and as your arm passes by your side, it is slightly pushed through. Mostly, because the motion is linetic in nature, it is like one part of the body passing a batton to the next link in the chain. It should be a fluid and smooth transfer without one aspect of the chain over dominating another. It all works together as you stay relaxed and purposeful in the shot.