forehand takeback

[princeO32433]

on my forehand takeback, my coach noticed that i am not fully letting my racquet drop under the ball. i take back the racquet until it is level with the ball and swing forward. this bad habit can probably account for my forehand flatness and lack of topspin. how can i help my racquet drop under the ball on my forehand takeback? When i try to do this, it feels weird and i shank the ball. everybody tells me to drop my racquet head under the ball but i just cannot do it! Any advice to help me drop my racquet head on my forehand?

 

[ohhgourami]

sounds to me like you have bad preparation for a shot. once you see that it is a forehand shot, you should already have your racquet back ready to take a swing. try this first then try it with the racquet lower and this would create spin.

 

[princeO32433]

so should i lower my racquet head, wait for the ball, and then swing foreward? or should i just slow down my whole takeback to keep it smooth without any stops?

 

[ohhgourami]

i think that part comes down to personal preference. rarely do i have time to wait for the ball so i have no choice but to swing immediately after takeback.

but if i ever get a weak return, i do stop and position myself to hit a winner.

 

[Curveball]

My coach/teacher told me to get my racquet back as soon as I see its for my forehand. This feels ridiculous to me. I have the racquest back, running 1/2 way across the court (back the whole time), and then hit the ball.

But you know what? My forehands got better. I'm not that extreme with it now, but it got me out of the habit of waiting until late to do my take back and that really helped me get the racquet lower where it should be.