May Sutton 1905-ish Western Grip Forehand

[muddlehead]

Reading a terrific book about Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman. Much discourse about May Sutton, of course. What I just read refers to Sutton's extreme forehand western grip. Author wasn't kidding.

Check out this vid - specifically starting at the 30 second mark.


May Sutton | 1905 - YouTube

 

[taylor15]

Thanks for sharing, that was in interesting clip.

 

[TTMR]

Terrible technique. Should be removed from Youtube as it could lead today's players astray and prevent them from adopting modern strokes.

 

[muddlehead]

I'm obsessing on this 120 year old forehand. Look at May's grip.

 

[Curtennis]

She could have just been holding it wrong… I can’t imagine the level of talent in 1905 women’s tennis really required anyone to hold the racquet in any manner as long as they had the string side facing out.

 

[boredone3456]

Terrible technique. Should be removed from Youtube as it could lead today's players astray and prevent them from adopting modern strokes.

You're totally right. They may also get the sudden urge to dress like they did in 1905 too.