Forehand forearm rotation???? help please

[Milano]

I have been noticing in slow motion vids of most of the pros that when they hit their forehands, it seems like the face of the racquet that contacts the ball faces the opponent by the end of their swing....

For example, in this section (learn from the pros):

http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/home/default.sps

Look under Andy Roddick and his forehand. It looks kind of like his contact face of the racquet is facing the other way with a weird angle. I have seen my tennis coach also doing this to produce more topspin...

Though if you look at Hewitt/Blakes forehand, it is just a plain cut at the ball with the face that contacted the ball facing the ground....


Any help on how the do this? I have tried incorperating my forearm into my stroke more, but it feels very unnatural....


Thanks!

 

[Bottle Rocket]

I think if your backswing is proper, you time the ball well, make clean contact, and get the proper outcome from your shot, you don't need to be thinking so much about how the head of your racket ends up on the follow-through - as long as you've got a follow-through.

So... Why do you want to do that?

 

[Milano]

Actually, I was just making sure my technique was not off completely. And also thought I could benefit from using my forearm a little bit more.

I dont think I worded the question properly though....

What I meant to say was when the use of a forearm is incorporated, while making contact with the ball, the player is turning his racquet in a circle like motion hence in the follow through his racquet faces the opponent...

NVM, I think I am just going to try it for a couple sets today and if it doesnt work out, I will switch to my normal strokes...

 

[JCo872]

Actually, I was just making sure my technique was not off completely. And also thought I could benefit from using my forearm a little bit more.

I dont think I worded the question properly though....

What I meant to say was when the use of a forearm is incorporated, while making contact with the ball, the player is turning his racquet in a circle like motion hence in the follow through his racquet faces the opponent...

NVM, I think I am just going to try it for a couple sets today and if it doesnt work out, I will switch to my normal strokes...

Milano,

You are absolutely correct. This motion is commonly referred to as the "windshield wiper" forehand. Watch Nalbandian and Federer on my homepage: http://www.hi-techtennis.com/

Jeff

 

[JCo872]

One more thing. Make sure you hit through and up the ball first. Then go into your wiper motion. You can see different pros going through and up the ball here:

http://www.hi-techtennis.com/forehand/topspin.php

 

[Milano]

Thanks a ton, gonna go try that out today....never knew for windshield wiper you had to hit the ball with the racquet face flat...damn im stupid.....lol