Forehand approach backswing

[eah123]

I was working on forehand approach shots with a coach at the Nadal Centre last week. Since I have a pretty big backswing on my forehand, the coach suggested two possible techniques. Either 1) Start the backswing early while moving toward the ball or 2) Use a shorter backswing, similar to what would be used for a 1st serve return, which would allow later initiation . I tried both, and both worked well (with positive feedback from the coach).

Before working on grooving one or the other technique, I was wondering if, like Rick Macci says, there's not a wrong way or right way, but a better way?

 

[user92626]

How's the power from each one? Ball hits back fence after the valid bounce?

 

[eah123]

How's the power from each one? Ball hits back fence after the valid bounce?

Power is easier to generate from the full swing way of course. To generate the same power from the short backswing version, I need to focus more on moving my body weight up and forward off the front leg. I’m sure the power would be the same with practice.

I should mention that these approach shots utilize the front to front (lift and land) / neutral stance footwork, not the open stance approach shot.

 

[Jonesy]

Power is easier to generate from the full swing way of course. To generate the same power from the short backswing version, I need to focus more on moving my body weight up and forward off the front leg. I’m sure the power would be the same with practice.

I should mention that these approach shots utilize the front to front (lift and land) / neutral stance footwork, not the open stance approach shot.

Use your full swing. But make sure to use all the energy you would on a baseline shot. The difference? more spin for control since you will have less court to work with. For approach shots you might even need to accelerate more for that purpose.

Compact shots you use when you have no time and the energy is already provided by your opponent. On approach shots you will have to provide the energy, but use that energy to hit a good aggressive shot.

Of course, if you want to take time away from your opponent you can go with a compact swing and take the ball on the rise, but this requires a lot of training because it is harder to find the right moment so you don't end up making an UE.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I was working on forehand approach shots with a coach at the Nadal Centre last week. Since I have a pretty big backswing on my forehand, the coach suggested two possible techniques. Either 1) Start the backswing early while moving toward the ball or 2) Use a shorter backswing, similar to what would be used for a 1st serve return, which would allow later initiation . I tried both, and both worked well (with positive feedback from the coach).

Before working on grooving one or the other technique, I was wondering if, like Rick Macci says, there's not a wrong way or right way, but a better way?

I've always found it awkward to run with the racquet already back for an approach but that appears to be the way the majority of coaches teach.

Probably the more important thing is if you're late in your takeback. If so, the early takeback is obviously one simple solution vs trying to hone your timing down to the tenths of a second.

 

[Dragy]

Interesting question. I guess, if you are comfortable timing wise, you smoothly approach the ball being sideways, taking racquet back in proper time (quite well in advance, but not like jerking it back before everything else). But, here’s Roger stepping in for short ball, that has just bounced:

Of course:
- It’s from practice
- It was a mishit, so he prepped, then recognized it was short, so re-preparing on this still
- He ended taking it quite low, so took his time to prepare
- He’s Roger

There’re cases when ball goes short and weak, sitting up in place within the service box. You might want to catch up with the peak of the bounce rather than set up a full swing, but hit it lower (which may actually be a better choice I don’t take frequently). In this case you may run to the ball a bit more upfront, straight put your hand behind the ball and attack it from rapid leg/body action, without full windup.

So it kind of depends on the type of shot you want to use. Sideways prep and draw to lift and shape it; fast in-front fade slap straight/down into the court; or full windup power fade off chest-height ball

 

[Dakota C]

I was working on forehand approach shots with a coach at the Nadal Centre last week. Since I have a pretty big backswing on my forehand, the coach suggested two possible techniques. Either 1) Start the backswing early while moving toward the ball or 2) Use a shorter backswing, similar to what would be used for a 1st serve return, which would allow later initiation . I tried both, and both worked well (with positive feedback from the coach).

Before working on grooving one or the other technique, I was wondering if, like Rick Macci says, there's not a wrong way or right way, but a better way?

I know you asked about the swing, but - I would try out some footwork patterns for approach shots (I like the hop step) if you don't use them already. My consistency and quality of shot have gone up drastically almost immediately after I added it to my game, and I stopped having to think about my swing as well.

 

[LeeD]

Most times you're run, you shorten swing