Fh- straight vs bent

[5263]

Anyone noticed or feel, that one of the effects of the straight arm Fh is a firmer wrist thru the shot?
It seems with the straighter arm, the elbow and wrist locks into a good position thru contact, then releases at a natural point in the follow thru.
With the bent elbow, it seems the wrist is very willing to break earlier, even just prior to contact, with little effort or intention. It even seems to take some effort to remain firmer.

I hit both at times and seem to notice that while I feel the bent is more versatile, the straight does seem to protect somewhat from early wrist release on the TS shot.
Just wondering if others agree or is this just my experience with it.
thanks,

 

[ReopeningWed]

You're thinking about it too much.
Establish what you want your game to look like, and then stick with it and go for ridiculous repetition.
Fernando Gonzalez was called Stone Hand because his forehand was so big, and Federer's forehand used to be the greatest shot in the sport of tennis.
Different styles, both absolutely dangerous. Something trivial like bent elbow or straight arm isn't going to make you a better tennis player.

 

[5263]

You're thinking about it too much.
Establish what you want your game to look like, and then stick with it and go for ridiculous repetition.
Fernando Gonzalez was called Stone Hand because his forehand was so big, and Federer's forehand used to be the greatest shot in the sport of tennis.
Different styles, both absolutely dangerous. Something trivial like bent elbow or straight arm isn't going to make you a better tennis player.

I don't think you get what I'm saying here. I've been hitting both for years and have my game quite together. I'm asking for feedback, as I instruct and am curious what other instructors and also newer players think on this.
I thought it might be worth bringing up, as I've never seen this particular comment discussed before relating to the 2 ways of doing business on this.
thanks

 

[MNPlayer]

I've been experimenting with the straight arm forehand on the suggestion of my pro. I don't really notice the wrist behaving a whole lot differently, but the way the whole forearm structure rotates over does feel different.

It does seem like both the double bend and straight arm can produce great forehands. I love Djokovic's double bend and obviously Fed's straight arm versions. I am less consistent with the straight arm but that may just be lack of practice. It seems to provide a bit more "free" power from the leverage effect.

 

[Blake0]

I usually hit with a straight and/or slight bent elbow on fh's. I agree with you; on the forehands i hit with a slightly bent elbow, i have a tendency to straighten the arm out as i swing causing the wrist to release too early as well as other problems.

The double bend fh does feel stiffer/firmer than the straight arm.

 

[5263]

I usually hit with a straight and/or slight bent elbow on fh's. I agree with you; on the forehands i hit with a slightly bent elbow, i have a tendency to straighten the arm out as i swing causing the wrist to release too early as well as other problems.

The double bend fh does feel stiffer/firmer than the straight arm.

So you agree that the straight arm Fh helps the wrist to release more correctly?

 

[chico9166]

I usually hit with a straight and/or slight bent elbow on fh's. I agree with you; on the forehands i hit with a slightly bent elbow, i have a tendency to straighten the arm out as i swing causing the wrist to release too early as well as other problems.

The double bend fh does feel stiffer/firmer than the straight arm.[/QUOTE]

Agree with this. Experimenting with this a bit, it would seem that the freedom, and range of motion to turn the wiper, is increased with the straight arm.

Find your contact point with an eastern grip, double bend, and racquet shaft parallel to the ground. Now, turn the tip up and then down, in a waving action, maintaining the elbow angle. Take note of the available hand and arm rotation. This is the mythical windshield wiper.

Straighten out the arm, and do the same. The range, and freedom of motion is increased quite dramatically by eliminating the elbow joint. Fed's forehand is a hot topic of debate these days. And in my opinion, the straight arm is key to understanding why he can do the things he does. He uses a very weak grip (easternish) and yet, can turn the ball over at a rate similar to those with a much stronger grip. In part, because of this increased available hand and arm rotation. Could be wrong about this, though.

Also noteworthy, is the contact point, which is more or less at the point of maximum extension (forward) and laterally (side) regardless of grip structure. Which would increase the swing arc, and potential racquet head speed, if the contact point can be consistently managed.

 

[Blake0]

So you agree that the straight arm Fh helps the wrist to release more correctly?

I'd say it's more of a natural feeling, like you described before, so yes.