Connors style backhand

[Connors Fan]

Upon my return to tennis, I have along with the torn meniscus, been fighting my old nemesis the weak backhand. My high school days and the couple years following was me doing my best Vilas imitation along with weak backhand slices.

While I was happy with the last tournement, and the progress I had made concentrating on the slice backhand, it was still at best a rally shot. The last match the guy realized as he should, that while I could hit it all day long, I could not hurt him with it at all. Needless to say, I hit very few forehands the second half of the match.

I have been experimenting with the two hander from time to time, but just could not get any feel for it. Another thing I have noticed, is that except for some young kids at the club, old guys like me who have tried to switch to the two hander, or took up tennis late and started with the two hander, the two hander is not much of a weapon either.

Now this is certainly not a case of the slice backhand, or the two handed topspin backhand being a poor shot. Its more a case of me not being able to adjust to the modern type two hander, or hit hurt a guy with my slice.

So today I was messing around again hitting some drop drills while trying to go easy on my knee and started hitting the two hander more like Connors, flat to slicing. It actually seemed to have much punch than I have been able to achieve trying to hit the laundry over the shoulder two handed topspin stroke. Even with its margin of error over the net being smaller, I could swing away freely.

So is anyone hitting the two hander in this style. Im not pretending it is the best for todays game overall, but I am honest enough with myself and my time commitement to realize I will likely never rise above 4.5 or maybe even 4.0. Seems like this shot may be a good alternative to me living with the one handed slice only.

Thoughts?

 

[Mick]

imo the connors style of 2hbh is the most difficult one to emulate because if you don't hit it exactly right, it will not clear the net. when i was i college, i knew this one guy. he was a big connors fan and he could hit a 2hbh very much like connors. however, unlike connors, when under pressure, he would make a lot of errors from that 2hbh.

 

[Connors Fan]

Well, I think on paper you are certainly right Mick. Its the reason I have never bothered with it before. I certainly wouldnt consider it the ideal or reccomend it, but maybe its a case of courses for horses, and that for me, it may (or may not) be of value.

One thing in my limted no pressure practice today that I noticed, was that I seemed to be able to hit it more directionally than I can with the one handed slice, or more certainly the one hander over the top. It was a drop ball drill day, so things could certainly change with balls coming at me or pressure as you mentioned.

 

[Mick]

if the shot feels natural to you, then it should be alright. if it feels forced, then maybe you should alter it a little bit so that it would feel natural.

hey, some of my hitting partners told me i didn't follow through enough when hitting my forehand. i've made that change but it appears that connors doesn't follow through when hitting his forehand either in the video clip below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEFvYMpuJLI

 

[Connors Fan]

Great clip Mick, thanks for the link.

I know most people are looking at Nadal and Federer to emulate or learn from (great choices for sure) but watching Connors and his economical and perhaps tame by todays standards strokes, it strikes me I have a much better chance picking up tips from that, than from incredibly fit and in their prime Nadal and Federer.

Another thing I have been looking into and like is the simplicity of a single grip. I found I could hit the backhand succesfully with the right hand grip anywhere from Strong eastern forehand, to continental. The left hand position just naturally stayed the same, though I only grip it with the thumb and forefinger, the rest of my hand overgrips onto my right hand.

Good input, your point of "how does it hold up under pressure", really resonated with me, and Im definatly keeping it in mind.

 

[Mick]

imo, having the correct strokes is not as important as having the ability to get to the ball in time. for instance, i could have all of federer's (or connors') techniques but if i am not in the position to hit the shot, the ball probably would fly pass me anyway. however, if i could get to the ball in time most of the time to prepare and hit my flawed strokes, I would be a much better player.
it's really tough for me to do this whenever i play against the advanced players, their balls would move faster than i could move

 

[LeeD]

Oftentime, you chosen GRIP determines how good and what kind of backhand to hit. Connors used an eastern right hand, conti side, so sliced with sidespin. If he'd strengthen his grip, he'd hit more topspin, like HaroldSolomon.
If he weakened his grip more to full conti right hand, it be more like McMillian and GeneMayber.

 

[Connors Fan]

My troubles (well, one of many) with the two hander, was finding a comfortable left hand position. As opposed to the modern style I guess, my left hand is more guiding and supporting the swing as opposed to driving it, like a left handed forehand. I can hit topspin off that grip also, but found it less accurate and reliable. Once again, this is off a limited test, so I have no certainty about it.

While I hit a topspin forehand, its not the high net clearing sort, but more a flatish shot that really doesnt have a huge margin for error either. Maybe its just my local area, but I have yet to play a player with a high bouncing topspin shot off either wing, that has any pace on it.

Im anxious to continue experimenting with it (half the fun), though it doesnt appear many people are trying or using this approach.

 

[Tennis Dunce]

a very special bh...he looked like the Leaning Tower of Pisa when he hit it. I'd try a little more Nalbandian or Safin or Agassi before I delineated the Connors bh. More attainable IMO.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

The Connors' BH is not all that easy to emulate. Firstly, you need an oddball racquet like the Wilson T-2000 or the Prince Precision Mono. 2ndly, you'll need to employ FH grips with both hands (dominant hand was FH/conti hybrid) -- very unorthodox by modern standards or even by days-gone-by standards. 3rdly, Jimmy would drive the ball with minimal topspin. Not easy for a most lesser players to place the ball well with such a lack of topspin.

Would suggest that you study the BHs of Nalbandian or Safin. Others to take a look at would be Murray, Djokovic or Nadal. Agassi, with his compact backswing is worth a gander as well. It is something of a Connors BH with more topspin. (Andre actually had a bit more topspin on his BH than he did with his relatively flat FH). It is no wonder that Andre and Jimmy happened to be the best returners of serve in the game -- the compact style certainly helped. Like Connors, the dominant arm was relatively straight. Andre used something close to a conti grip on both wings.

 

[Frank Silbermann]

The Connors' BH is not all that easy to emulate. Firstly, you need an oddball racquet like the Wilson T-2000 or the Prince Precision Mono.

Do you have any basis for that opinion -- other than the fact that those are rackets Connors happened to use?

3rdly, Jimmy would drive the ball with minimal topspin. Not easy for a most lesser players to place the ball well with such a lack of topspin.

I disagree; in fact, speaking with a fellow on the tennis team at my junior college in 1972 he told me that a player has to be really good to use topspin. (He used a bunched-fingers continental like Pancho Gonzales, and hit his backhand with slice and his forehand without spin -- just a slight and unintentional random turning in the air this way or that.)

 

[Tennis Dunce]

Do you have any basis for that opinion -- other than the fact that those are rackets Connors happened to use?

I disagree; in fact, speaking with a fellow on the tennis team at my junior college in 1972 he told me that a player has to be really good to use topspin. (He used a bunched-fingers continental like Pancho Gonzales, and hit his backhand with slice and his forehand without spin -- just a slight and unintentional random turning in the air this way or that.)

wow systemic...I guess there ya go...:roll:

 

[Connors Fan]

Im not sure I aree with the racquet being part of the equation really. Maybe it is, but it seems not. I probably mistated how I came about hitting it yesterday. Though Connors was my idol as a kid, I never tried to play anything like him, I fancied myself more a Vilas or Ramirez (sp) guy. Yesterday after working the backhand slice, I decided to hit some two handers. I really had no expectation of hitting it with slice or flat but with topspin. I just threw it up and without doing alot of thinking (my specialty sadly) I just swung. The shot that resulted was this flattish/slice shot that looked pretty good, so I just hit another. Well after an hour or so, it still seemed pretty natural and repeatable.

I think I may have come across intimating I was emulating Connors, when I guess, I mostly wanted to convey the ball flight that was resulting from whatever swing I had. Basically just not a topspin shot. The swing feels short, ends roughly the same as Connors (more or less), Im sure that is where any similarities between me and Connors ends. I know he had both hands firmly on the racquet, where I was hitting with my left hand mostly overlapped onto my right (more like Borg, cant remember, I dont really study players mechanics).

Mostly the shot came across with more pop than the one handed slice, while still having the characteristics of it, with a low skidding bounce (with some sidespin). Good thoughts all. Like I said, I know no matter what strokes I hit, I will likely not rise above 4.5, so I consider anything I do, within those parameters.

Im enjoying the input.

 

[dozu]

recreational players should never try this at home.

no margin for error... will lead to endless frustrations... and a few months later will come back to this board with a post like 'How do I put more spin on the backhand'.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

C'mon guys, the racket thing was supposed to be a joke. :twisted:

...

I disagree; in fact, speaking with a fellow on the tennis team at my junior college in 1972 he told me that a player has to be really good to use topspin. (He used a bunched-fingers continental like Pancho Gonzales, and hit his backhand with slice and his forehand without spin -- just a slight and unintentional random turning in the air this way or that.)

Well then it must be so.

 

[Connors Fan]

Well Dozu, while you could be right in specific to me, Im not sure that this sweeping generalazation is true. I doubt any generalazation applies to all levels and all players. However, it is worth considering, and if nothing else, to be aware of the pitfalls. In the end, ones success is the true measure of how a stroke works for them, and you may very well be right in my case. I wont know however, until I have played around with it a bit.

Its funny how time has a way of changing what is accepted as worthwhile. I know some of the slice backhands are getting lots of talk, along with the sliding squash type forehand returns. Much of what is considered best in the modern day, was once considered fringe type play many years ago. Curious to see what the next 20 years brings.

 

[Mick]

best thing to do imo is to also learn other style of hitting the bh, even a 1hbh, while learning the connors style bh. in ideal condition, you can hit the connors style bh and in less than ideal condition, you can switch to the other style. If you have watched connors play, you would notice that even he did not hit his bh exactly the same way on every single shot either.

 

[Connors Fan]

Good point Mick,

Well, what I call Jimmy Connors backhand is a loose term, really just denoting I was hitting a more slicing two hander. I can hit the one handed slice, one handed topspin (with limited consistancy I will admit) or the one handed backhand drive. Much like my forehand, my practice session today was not what I would call flawless repetive motion, but a general concept. I hit my forehand anywhere from flat to somewhat heavy topspin, with an outdated grip.

While I am going to give it a try for a while at least, I still have listened to the comments advising against it, or cautioning against it. My prefered shot is the topspin backhand, but I can be honest with myself enough to realize it is even more lacking in consistancy than what Im experimenting with now. I can hit ball after ball in with the two hander, and even in this easiest of enviroments, have to be more precise with the topspin.

Besides like my golfing buddies have commented, I like to fiddle with my swing too much. Its true and why I can never quite break into single digit handicap there.

 

[NLBwell]

My brother has a flat/slice 2 handed backhand and it is very consistent and very effective - especially on fast courts where the ball will just skid. You get the consistency not from the margin of error that topspin gives you, but from the simplicity of the shot. Connors was so great because he moved his feet and body so well that every shot was hit with an almost identical stroke. The stroke itself is very simple and he used his body well to get power by getting his body weight into the ball.

 

[papa]

One of the big problems here is that often the "front porch" gets in the way of a suitable/effective two-hander. I'll actually go so far to say that if your carrying around something that was missing years ago, you might be well advised to chuck the 2HBH approach. Yes, it can be done but with a great deal of effort and I've found, not very effective - you might be better off to stay with the slice. I know some don't want me to suggest something like this but I've tried on numerous occasions with many players and can be frustrating for them and me.

 

[Connors Fan]

Tactfully put Papa!

Though the body seem to be falling apart the last years, I'm still fairly thin, and as of this time, not fighting that particular battle.

After today, I'm still trying to sort out the right hand grip, I can hit the shot with anything from my SW leaning Eastern forehand grip, to full conti. The left hand sorts itself out without me thinking about it.

 

[NLBwell]

You can hit a 2-handed drive with most any grip comfortable to you with the right hand. A lot of people recommend continental because if you are forced to hit a one-hander you already have the proper grip. If it isn't comfortable or if you hit significantly better with a different grip don't worry about it too much, pros use all sorts of grips with the 2 hander.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

You can hit a 2-handed drive with most any grip comfortable to you with the right hand. A lot of people recommend continental because if you are forced to hit a one-hander you already have the proper grip...

Not necessarily the primary reason for employing the conti grip on the right (lower) hand. While many players may use both arms more-or-less equally at the start of the forward swing, the left hand/arm tends to take over for most players as the racket head is accelerated forward to meet the ball -- it becomes more of a lefty FH -- the left hand transfers a bulk of the power and takes a greater responsibility for imparting topspin. The right (lower) hand in a conti grip allows the left hand to maximize this role, particularly with regards to spin.

While there are many grip variations, I believe that conti on the lower hand and some sort of FH grip (often Eastern or SW) on the upper hand is one of the most common combination with modern players.
.

 

[RyanRF]

Back when I was developing my backhand from scratch (no lessons, self-taught, etc) there was a period where I was hitting them like this. The slice/side-spin was the result of my failed attempts to hit with topspin. I had a wrong grip (nearly continental/continental) and wrists and arms were stiff throughout much of the swing. As others have said, balls hit this way have a pretty unforgiving trajectory and often end up in the net.

It wasn't until I changed my grip and watched some Agassi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql5xVpACt1Y) that I figured it out.

In comparing Agassi with Connors, Agassi cocks his wrists back and then uses his left arm to bring the racquet around to impact. Also, Agassi's stroke is much more 'low to high' vs. Connors. I made this adjustment, and now I'm getting the spin that I want.

 

[papa]

Tactfully put Papa!

Though the body seem to be falling apart the last years, I'm still fairly thin, and as of this time, not fighting that particular battle.

After today, I'm still trying to sort out the right hand grip, I can hit the shot with anything from my SW leaning Eastern forehand grip, to full conti. The left hand sorts itself out without me thinking about it.

OK, glad we don't have that to deal with.

The right hand placement (dominant hand) is always a problem because the brain is convinced the off-hand can't do anything as well as the dominant hand so it wants to take over - kinda the older brother syndrome.

When the dominant hand gets in a power position like an EB or strong Continental grip, it takes over and in many cases just pulls the racquet out of the non-dominant hand. Most of us do things, without even realizing it, on one side of our body our whole lives. We let the non-dominant hand do things like type or hold the nail but we're reluctant to let it do too much - ever try eating or brushing your teeth with the non-dominant hand (wear protective eyeware if you haven't tried it before)?

So, rotate the non-dominant hand to a weak continental or more and I think you'll have better success. Let the left hand do its job if your RHed.

 

[julian]

Please define weak continental

OK, glad we don't have that to deal with.

The right hand placement (dominant hand) is always a problem because the brain is convinced the off-hand can't do anything as well as the dominant hand so it wants to take over - kinda the older brother syndrome.

When the dominant hand gets in a power position like an EB or strong Continental grip, it takes over and in many cases just pulls the racquet out of the non-dominant hand. Most of us do things, without even realizing it, on one side of our body our whole lives. We let the non-dominant hand do things like type or hold the nail but we're reluctant to let it do too much - ever try eating or brushing your teeth with the non-dominant hand (wear protective eyeware if you haven't tried it before)?

So, rotate the non-dominant hand to a weak continental or more and I think you'll have better success. Let the left hand do its job if your RHed.

Please define weak continental
It is possible that you have defined during your previous posts
but I cannot find it quickly.
2 options:
a) between continental and eastern forehand grip
b) between continental and eastern BACKHAND grip
Some coaches use a) for weak continental,some coaches use b)
(it is hard to believe but it is true)
regards,
julian

 

[Connors Fan]

If you were asking me the OP about the grip I am trying, I have tried the right hand (dominant, Im a righty) from a conti to eastern FOREHAND. The left hand is a lefty SW forehand grip, though I only have the thumb and forefinger on the handle, the rest overlaps my right hand. If I hit it with top, the lefthand drives the shot more, if I hit flat or slice, the right hand is driving the shot, as I let go of the racquet with the left sometimes.

 

[julian]

I am asking papa about something else

If you were asking me the OP about the grip I am trying, I have tried the right hand (dominant, Im a righty) from a conti to eastern FOREHAND. The left hand is a lefty SW forehand grip, though I only have the thumb and forefinger on the handle, the rest overlaps my right hand. If I hit it with top, the lefthand drives the shot more, if I hit flat or slice, the right hand is driving the shot, as I let go of the racquet with the left sometimes.

I am asking papa about something else.Sorry

 

[papa]

Please define weak continental
It is possible that you have defined during your previous posts
but I cannot find it quickly.
2 options:
a) between continental and eastern forehand grip
b) between continental and eastern BACKHAND grip
Some coaches use a) for weak continental,some coaches use b)
(it is hard to believe but it is true)
regards,
julian

Well, I use the clockwise=strong/counter clockwise=weak method when holding the racquet straight out in front. I've had this dialog before several times and know the method I use isn't universal - its just the way I look at it. You can make the valid argument that a "strong backhand grip" is not going toward a continental but I don't care to go one way for some strokes and another for others. However, I know some who do that but to me its confusing.

So (b.) would be considered a weak continental grip whereas (a.) could be considered as a strong continental or weak EF. I know that depending on degree of change, how the racquet is held or shot being taken, basic grips, etc. some with present the argument it depends - then we get into the left handed issue where everything is reversed.

As a tennis teacher yourself, you know the discussions when you have right handed and left handed people in the same class/clinic - gets silly sometimes.

It might make sense for me to not to use "weak" and "strong" on grips because any more confusion is the last thing we need.

 

[julian]

Thank you

Well, I use the clockwise=strong/counter clockwise=weak method when holding the racquet straight out in front. I've had this dialog before several times and know the method I use isn't universal - its just the way I look at it. You can make the valid argument that a "strong backhand grip" is not going toward a continental but I don't care to go one way for some strokes and another for others. However, I know some who do that but to me its confusing.

So (b.) would be considered a weak continental grip whereas (a.) could be considered as a strong continental or weak EF. I know that depending on degree of change, how the racquet is held or shot being taken, basic grips, etc. some with present the argument it depends - then we get into the left handed issue where everything is reversed.

As a tennis teacher yourself, you know the discussions when you have right handed and left handed people in the same class/clinic - gets silly sometimes.

It might make sense for me to not to use "weak" and "strong" on grips because any more confusion is the last thing we need.

Thank you
julian

 

[snr]

Read the thread and this is just my 2 cents. I'm not qualified or anything to be giving advice... but again, just my opinion.

Your username obviously shows that you're a Connors fan, and while Connors is an insanely talented player, I don't know about copying his style of backhand.

I'm glad you've had the successful "punch" with it, but I also noticed you said "laundry over the shoulder" backhand style.

IMO, maybe you should perhaps break down the alternative two hander and as System Anomoly said, look at some other models such as Safin or Nalbandian or Murray.

What concerns me about laundry over shoulder is that I see a lot of club players pulling the ball over their shoulders. so essentially, you're swinging but pulling the left hand into your shoulder right after you hit. I think this might be related to your case as you said you were lacking some power on the two hander when you weren't going with Connors' style; you simply don't get enough left arm extension through the ball.

Its obviously up to you, the only reason I even posted this was becuase as good as Connors's technique is, as others have pointed out, its a very flat shot that without say Connors' talents, might become a low percentage play especially in "stressful" times.

The low to high backhand, with a good left arm extention before folding in, would be a good platform. Again, just my opinion.

 

[papa]

Read the thread and this is just my 2 cents. I'm not qualified or anything to be giving advice... but again, just my opinion.

Your username obviously shows that you're a Connors fan, and while Connors is an insanely talented player, I don't know about copying his style of backhand.

I'm glad you've had the successful "punch" with it, but I also noticed you said "laundry over the shoulder" backhand style.

IMO, maybe you should perhaps break down the alternative two hander and as System Anomoly said, look at some other models such as Safin or Nalbandian or Murray.

What concerns me about laundry over shoulder is that I see a lot of club players pulling the ball over their shoulders. so essentially, you're swinging but pulling the left hand into your shoulder right after you hit. I think this might be related to your case as you said you were lacking some power on the two hander when you weren't going with Connors' style; you simply don't get enough left arm extension through the ball.

Its obviously up to you, the only reason I even posted this was becuase as good as Connors's technique is, as others have pointed out, its a very flat shot that without say Connors' talents, might become a low percentage play especially in "stressful" times.

The low to high backhand, with a good left arm extention before folding in, would be a good platform. Again, just my opinion.

Interesting post.

I happen to agree with the "laundry over the shoulder" routine and would prefer more of a vertical finish. I know some here don't care for that but for the reasons you stated, I think its better. Basically, more push through the ball rather than the quick lift which I think robs the player of power. Its a good finish in some situations but if your looking to drive the ball with decent top, its not the way to go.

 

[snr]

Interesting post.

I happen to agree with the "laundry over the shoulder" routine and would prefer more of a vertical finish. I know some here don't care for that but for the reasons you stated, I think its better. Basically, more push through the ball rather than the quick lift which I think robs the player of power. Its a good finish in some situations but if your looking to drive the ball with decent top, its not the way to go.

Not 100% sure what you mean by vertical finish? I assume without the racquet slung over the shoulder right away?

With the hip situation the same (a lot of power comes from the hips and core in the 2H, so just for argument sake, both 'styles' have the same lol),

I think you can have a lot of top spin, with a low to high swing, with appropriate knee movement; as long the top arm plows though the ball, you should get enough pace. Watch Nadal for instance, he is obviously a right hander so he has more power there, but he has tons of top spin (even though its relatively flat compared to his FH) by doing a low to high swing, but his right arm straightens through the ball giving him the pace.

So I don't think its a matter of it being a bad finish, its just the fact that a lot of the player's who are finishing this way, don't know that before they finish, they must have driven through the ball first.

 

[papa]

Not 100% sure what you mean by vertical finish? I assume without the racquet slung over the shoulder right away?

With the hip situation the same (a lot of power comes from the hips and core in the 2H, so just for argument sake, both 'styles' have the same lol),

I think you can have a lot of top spin, with a low to high swing, with appropriate knee movement; as long the top arm plows though the ball, you should get enough pace. Watch Nadal for instance, he is obviously a right hander so he has more power there, but he has tons of top spin (even though its relatively flat compared to his FH) by doing a low to high swing, but his right arm straightens through the ball giving him the pace.

So I don't think its a matter of it being a bad finish, its just the fact that a lot of the player's who are finishing this way, don't know that before they finish, they must have driven through the ball first.

Yeah, vertical finish is finishing with the racquet basically in an up & down position. Problem with the " laundry over the shoulder" thing is that generally there isn't enough push into the ball - not always with all players but as a general statement. I certainly wasn't implying that its wrong but if power is lacking and it is with most club players, you might want to fiddle around with a little more push into the ball which generally ends up producing more of a vertical finish.

If you try it, I think you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[cigrmaster]

In my opinion trying to copy Connors back hand is a waste of time. He is the only guy in the world who could hit a 2 hander like that.

I would recommend using a one hander. Hold the racquet in the palm of your hand. Cheat with your thumb on the side of the racquet, start low and when you contact the ball snap your wrist for maximum top spin and power.

 

[LeeD]

Personally, I could hit a sliced/sidespin 2hbh quite well, and chose it for a year or so, back in the mid '70's, because tentative, you add more slice, confident, you can add more side to the shot. Makes for GREAT control, betting than 1hbh slice, because disquise and power is better, and more accurate.
Compared to 2hbh top, it's a variaty shot from your 1hForehand, and the bounce can drive opponent's crazy.
You don't hit too long because you add the sidespin component to the slice, and depth control is really good.
Or should we just copy what is currently in fashion, which is subject to change constantly. You don't pass the car ahead of you by staying directly behind him.

 

[Connors Fan]

As for 1hnd topspin, I know how to hit one, but I find myself too slow to hit it consistantly. To me its like a draw compared to a fade in golf, sure the draw is the harder shot and generally considered the "pro" shot, but its more difficult to maintain that swing, and repeat it.

I think I will work on hitting the 2hndr with topsin too, but atleast on the surface, its seems the slice does the job of the one handed slice with more punch and for me a bit more control. The one handed slice is not belittled, so Im unsure why a two handed version would be.

While I lack the experience Lee has, I do think that what may be an inferior shot to some, may work well for others. I started the thread to see if anyone else was taking this approach, rather than get advice on what else I should do. However, many posts against it were pretty well thought out, and good food for thought.

I may just be contrary by choice, as I was in my approach to wrestling and cycling. Sometimes to my own detriment. lol.

Been fun reading everyones opinions, dont mind seeing some more on the subject.

 

[LeeD]

Connors made that 2hbh sidespin backhand, along with his forehand sidespin, to work all the way up to 7.0 level.
If you just practice this a year or so, you'll find the 2hbh sidespin shot VERY effective, fading away from opponents, staying really low, while being easy to control depth and hit low over the net, making it hard to volley.
The only kind of topspin 2hbh to practice is the loopy topspin lob, for when you get approached and you need a 3rd option.

 

[Connors Fan]

Well, it wasnt bad tonight at mens night. Only got to play one set, probably just as well on the knee, but I did get to hit the 2hbh a little. Once into the net, one clean winner, several good rally balls. Too little time to tell for sure, but it seems worth pursuing some.

 

[papa]

......................

I would recommend using a one hander. Hold the racquet in the palm of your hand. Cheat with your thumb on the side of the racquet, start low and when you contact the ball snap your wrist for maximum top spin and power.

Doing this will probably lead to disaster for many - the wrist does release somewhat but to think about snapping it into the ball is not a good idea. First of all it implies that the wrist is basically in the wrong position as it approaches the ball. Second of all, the wrist is probably the weakest link in the entire kinetic chain and movement like what is suggested, is just begging for trouble. Third, although this "might" work in pitter-patter tennis its not applicable when the ball is traveling with the pace seen in today's game - even if you were able to catch up to the ball, the chances of hitting it cleanly are very small.