Need some forehand help

[janm]

Hi guys,

I have good net clearance and my shots land deep most of the time. The problem is
when playing matches approximately one in five shots will go long during a rally.

It does not matter if I hit out, hit medium or back right off and its driving me nuts.
If I hit low over the net same thing. High over the net and similar result.

I then start to loose confidence and my game just breaks.

I think if i can get a little more RPM my forehand would be more reliable.

I use an easten grip and play with a K90 strung at 55lbs.

Below is me hitting against a machine. Can you guys offer any suggestions or spot anything I need
to change technique wise..

thanks,

 

[GuyClinch]

Well since no one chimed in yet - I will get the ball rolling..

1) Big issue - this is a ball machine set on pretty easy - so whatever flaw you might be making in match play/rally - you might not be making here. For example for all we know you could actually be getting jammed - or taking the ball late and you could be compensating by opening the racquet face - and that's what is making you go long. Not to sound exactly like Tomaz - but the problem is not always technique.. It can be that you aren't executing your technique properly because of timing footwork etc.

2) I like your technique - looks good. However I get the feeling your RHS is low - maybe because you feel nervous a bit about your forehand. I would look to increase your RHS a bit and compensate by dipping the racquet a bit lower - this will give you more topspin..

3) I think you could use your legs more dynamically to add more topspin. Since your main problem is going long.

 

[janm]

Thanks for the suggestions. When in a match or having a hit I pretty much play the same. I don't really get jammed up or hit late at least I dont think so.
I hit out infront most of the time.

The racket head speed is something to consider. I really want to try and increase it but not sure how to do it without starting to arm or muscle to ball.

The lack of leg involvement is a big thing for me i'm trying hard to get them going but can't
seem to most of the time. Its taken me about a year to get them moving this much lol

 

[Moorgatetennis]

You need to move your feet more you punk. Too lazy with your feet. but u already know that....

 

[LeeD]

Nice looking forehand.
You should consider practicing from 4' behind the baseline, then practicing from the baseline, then set the machine shorter, and hit some from inside the baseline.
In match play, you hit from all positions, yet you practice only from ONE position.

 

[Tennisanity]

Swing path looks a bit flat if you want more spin. i.e. hitting too much through the ball.

 

[Ihatetennis]

tuck your elbow in a little bit, keep the racket face closed

and **** your wrist back before you start your swing

its a tad "slappy"

 

[Ihatetennis]

also keep your shoulders closed a tad longer, dont open up too early

and apparently c0ck is a bad word, but c0ck your wrist back before you swing hahaha

 

[Fxanimator1]

I agree with GuyClinch, I think you should lower yourself to the ball more so you're below it....so, more knee bend. Your stroke looks good though.

 

[janm]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

LeeD, I don't really hit with the machine that often. I usually hit with others but I like your suggestion of coming in a little or moving back and practicing from different postions.
Moorgatetennis, yep defo need to work on getting my feet moving more
Tennisanity, yeah I tend to have a flattish swing path will try and get under the ball more but its hard.
Ihatetennis, I did used to have a very slappy action and have been trying to smooth it out but reminants of it still remain, I'll try what you suggest and also c0ck the wrist more
Fxanimator1 I will try to get that knee bend, my mind knows how to do it but when the balls coming at me i just seem to not do it. I used to have tendon inflamation on my
right knee and I guess i'm still trying to subconsciously protect it.

Again thanks for the suggestions so far really appreciate it. Just getting fed up with not being able to rally consistantly now.

 

[beltsman]

Tighter elbow, more unit turn on backswing, and drop the racquet head further.

 

[janm]

It all looks like slow motion on the video hahaha

What do you guys mean tuck the elbow in more and tighter elbow..?
One the backswing? or overall?
Can't quite visualise how to do it.. any vids illustrating it bychance.
thanks

 

[nadalfanimal]

2c...backswing is too wide...hyperextending the forward swing...leading to inconsistent forhand...so i would suggest compact your backswing with the racquet closer to your body...also coordinate ur lower half of your body with the movement of the arm..coordination is a problem with a lot of players experimenting with their forehands

 

[janm]

Thanks mate, yep it does look a little bit too far back, i'm wondering if this is the reason i can't seem to use my legs? its been difficult to incorporate my legs as it feels I can barely
get trunk rotation going. When I try to use my legs too everything just breaks down a lot.

 

[Mack-2]

Main problem I see is that you open the shoulders a little too early. Try and stay closed a little longer.

 

[nadalfanimal]

Feel for u dude...everyone has had the same problem starting out...

this is about the best forehand instruction I found yet albeit not a coiled compact backswing u need...but the main mechanics are there. This guy can hit a proper forehand...and not an instructional poser

 

[watungga]

iPhones now have Slo-Mo video. Take a close-up shot of your forehand where we can see the stringbed position on impact.
Reason is that I have a pretty much good assumption that the stringbed is open, facing the top of opponent's back fence. This is the main reason shots are long.
Quick fix for this is you punch the ball with more load coming from pointer finger while keeping the same habitual shot you're good at.

*UPDATE* I managed to get youtube slowmo on this video, and turned out that almost all shots' stringbed were facing correctly. It is more likely you are relaxed with the ball machine and most possibly tight on match play. There is no issue with your forehand. Slapping the ball is the premium shot in tennis. I'm starting to think now that your shot is on a high-level stroke which requires complete set of movements only pros can maintain. If you're not that "pro" player, the shot would likely bite you back.

 

[janm]

watnungga No im not anywhere near that level i'm just a casual player at a small town club in the UK. Just hit with my brother mostly and a guy on here called moorgatetennis occasionally.
Dont have a iphone but do have a galaxy note 4. Will see if I can get a slow mo vid sometime. Could be the string bed opening up in matches.

Nadalfanimal yeah its difficult, makes me want to give up sometimes. Thanks for that video i like that guys style

Mach-2 yeah i've heard that shoulder opening too soon comment a few times. Will try and see if I can keep them closed a bit longer.

thanks so far guys really appreciate all the feedback.