Non-dominant hand on forehand unit turn

[pico]

I have a question. I am right-handed (though this applies in general). When I do my unit turn on the forehand to prep, I observed that my left hand does hold the throat of my racquet on the turn but as it separates from the racquet, it maintains a bend at the elbow. Does it have to be more straight? Is this something I need to work on?

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I have a question. I am right-handed (though this applies in general). When I do my unit turn on the forehand to prep, I observed that my left hand does hold the throat of my racquet on the turn but as it separates from the racquet, it maintains a bend at the elbow. Does it have to be more straight? Is this something I need to work on?

You should keep the bend at the elbow, it reduces the MOI when you rotate your upper body to hit the ball. As your shoulders rotate, think about pointing your left elbow back.

Watch this old guy hitting a forehand here. He even starts with a straight left arm and bends his left elbow as his upper body rotates.

 

[pico]

You should keep the bend at the elbow, it reduces the MOI when you rotate your upper body to hit the ball. As your shoulders rotate, think about pointing your left elbow back.

Watch this old guy hitting a forehand here. He even starts with a straight left arm and bends his left elbow as his upper body rotates.

I see that Agassi's left hand is still almost straight on the takeback though. Also, what is MOI? Here is an image of what I do:

unittunr hosted at ImgBB

Image unittunr hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

 

[pico]

unittunr hosted at ImgBB

Image unittunr hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

 

[Dragy]

Ideal form would be to get arm straight, start swinging it out as ball approaches, and you are aligning the swing, and then tuck it in to facilitate major torso rotation acceleration.

However if you keep slight bend after letting go of the throat, it’s not any kind of significant flaw. E.g. Novak or Andy never get that perfect elbow extension.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I see that Agassi's left hand is still almost straight on the takeback though. Also, what is MOI? Here is an image of what I do:

unittunr hosted at ImgBB

Image unittunr hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

MOI is moment of inertia.

Here's Nadal

 

[Slowtwitcher]

Ideal form would be to get arm straight

Why?

 

[Dragy]

Why?

It allows you to build up some MOI in advance to then use when it’s moment to pull the trigger. Move is similar to ice skaters spins, when they first initiate rotation with wide arms swing, and then tuck them in to speed up.

 

[pico]

MOI is moment of inertia.

Here's Nadal

Interesting. Looks like I have sorta a Nadal takeback.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

Interesting. Looks like I have sorta a Nadal takeback.

Sorta

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

I see that Agassi's left hand is still almost straight on the takeback though. Also, what is MOI? Here is an image of what I do:

unittunr hosted at ImgBB

Image unittunr hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

MOI = Moment of Inertia

The swingweight spec of your racket is a measure of its MOI when held 10 cm from the end. Easier to swing with lower SW / MOI. When an ice skater pulls her arms (and leg) in tight, she spins much faster. Same principal on the forward swing or the Fh or the upward swing of the serve.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

I have a question. I am right-handed (though this applies in general). When I do my unit turn on the forehand to prep, I observed that my left hand does hold the throat of my racquet on the turn but as it separates from the racquet, it maintains a bend at the elbow. Does it have to be more straight? Is this something I need to work on?

The left arm extending out straight to the side (fence) after completing the UT, can assist considerably with spacing wrt the incoming ball. Works best if you are in a semi-open or a neutral stance. If the ball appears to be headed toward your elbow instead of your extended hand, then you need to adjust your spacing so you're not too close to the ball.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

 

[One Handed Dynasty]

I find that my non dominant arm naturally reaches/straightens out as my shoulders coil past my hips. As I begin to uncoil the arm bends, much like a figure skater spinning. I think it’s more something that happens naturally as a product of a full unit turn and utilizing your kinetic chain.