forehand: tips to lower racquet head

[southend]

I learned the old school way --- keep the racquet head above your wrist. I have gone to a semi western grip but still have trouble with getting the racquet head a foot or so below the ball on the backswing. The racquet head is closed (pointing toward the back fence). Any swing tips to make it more natural to drop that racquet head below the ball on the takeaway and forward swing.

I'm a 3.5 player with a fairly flat forehand. I'd like more topspin.
I play with a Wilson Triad T5 and the Babolat Aero Drive --- 17 gauge NXT.

 

[golden chicken]

well i'll give you an old school tip: BEND YOUR KNEES

and i'll give you a new school tip from Bungalo Bill: instead of pointing the racket face at the fence, point the racket face at the ground, the buttcap at the ball and the tip towards the fence and think "pat the dog"

 

[Federer The G.O.A.T.!]

well i'll give you an old school tip: BEND YOUR KNEES

and i'll give you a new school tip from Bungalo Bill: instead of pointing the racket face at the fence, point the racket face at the ground, the buttcap at the ball and the tip towards the fence and think "pat the dog"

I've never heard of that "pat the dog" expression in tennis instructions. Please elaborate what that implies.

I mean, come on. All I can envision is brutally "petting" a dog. Yes mechanics could and should be smooth, graceful, fluid etc., BUT, the swing of the racquet is a violent motion. I can't tie any part of it with "patting the dog".

Has anyone else heard of that?

 

[southend]

Golden chicken: Thanks for the tip. I thought you could get arrested for "patting your dog" in public. Actually, I think its a great swing thought.