Really wide forehands. What to do?

[Curious]

You have a fraction of a second to decide on one of these options:
1. You got to the ball in time for a topspin deep cross court shot. Not enough angle or deep, the point is over!
2. Not confident for a topspin drive. Slice or flat back deep cross court if you can.
3. Barely there in time, very unlikely to recover. Lob.
4. Almost impossible to recover, very tired. Smack it down the line and pray it goes in (as my coach puts it).

I feel like slice is the safest, best option. Probably the easiest to master. Lob feels weird probably because it’s the least used/ practiced.

 

[zill]

You have a fraction of a second to decide on one of these options:
1. You got to the ball in time for a topspin deep cross court shot. Not enough angle or deep, the point is over!
2. Not confident for a topspin drive. Slice or flat back deep cross court if you can.
3. Barely there in time, very unlikely to recover. Lob.
4. Almost impossible to recover, very tired. Smack it down the line and pray it goes in (as my coach puts it).

I feel like slice is the safest, best option. Probably the easiest to master. Lob feels weird probably because it’s the least used/ practiced.

yes, slice.

 

[zill]

You have a fraction of a second to decide on one of these options:
1. You got to the ball in time for a topspin deep cross court shot. Not enough angle or deep, the point is over!
2. Not confident for a topspin drive. Slice or flat back deep cross court if you can.
3. Barely there in time, very unlikely to recover. Lob.
4. Almost impossible to recover, very tired. Smack it down the line and pray it goes in (as my coach puts it).

I feel like slice is the safest, best option. Probably the easiest to master. Lob feels weird probably because it’s the least used/ practiced.

where is the spin from your fh ? Why so flat?

 

[Curious]

where is the spin from your fh ? Why so flat?

Gone back to eastern grip. Actually modified eastern. Knuckle between 3 and 4, heel pad on 3.

 

[zill]

Gone back to eastern grip.

why? Your sw fh was really great? no?

 

[Curious]

why? Your sw fh was really great? no?

I have a better feeling of where the racket face is aligned with eastern.

 

[zill]

I have a better feeling of where the racket face is aligned with eastern.

You've been saying this for years but then change back to sw evenetually.

 

[Curious]

You've been saying this for years but then change back to sw evenetually.

I’ll use it longer this time.

 

[talynen]

You have a fraction of a second to decide on one of these options

If I take the prompt in what seems to be the spirit of the question, I'm either looping topspin down the line (forcing them into a high backhand on the run) or I'm slicing crosscourt to give myself time to recover.

Whether or not that's the percentage play, I have no idea.

Looking at the video, there's a large difference in what looks like the confidence/control over the shot when you're able to plant on the outside leg properly (0:22 to 0:25) vs the times when you're continuing to run toward the sideline as you hit topspin (0:28 to 0:31). I'd be more inclined to hit topspin when able to brace properly, and slice or lob when truly hitting on the run based on those outcomes.

At the risk of coming off as too critical, I'm also not seeing much backspin on the slice (I'm guessing that's what's mostly being shown starting 1:05 to 2:15)? It doesn't look like it's "floating" much, nor does it seem to be buying you time to recover your court position. It's almost more of an offensive shot that tries to throw the opponent off balance, or a chip/block return.

 

[Curious]

If I take the prompt in what seems to be the spirit of the question, I'm either looping topspin down the line (forcing them into a high backhand on the run) or I'm slicing crosscourt to give myself time to recover.

Whether or not that's the percentage play, I have no idea.

Looking at the video, there's a large difference in what looks like the confidence/control over the shot when you're able to plant on the outside leg properly (0:22 to 0:25) vs the times when you're continuing to run toward the sideline as you hit topspin (0:28 to 0:31). I'd be more inclined to hit topspin when able to brace properly, and slice or lob when truly hitting on the run based on those outcomes.

At the risk of coming off as too critical, I'm also not seeing much backspin on the slice (I'm guessing that's what's mostly being shown starting 1:05 to 2:15)? It doesn't look like it's "floating" much, nor does it seem to be buying you time to recover your court position. It's almost more of an offensive shot that tries to throw the opponent off balance, or a chip/block return.

This is a tough situation that caused me issues in matches either in shot selection or execution, hence I wanted to practice deliberately and think about options. Thanks.

 

[vokazu]

You have a fraction of a second to decide on one of these options:
1. You got to the ball in time for a topspin deep cross court shot. Not enough angle or deep, the point is over!
2. Not confident for a topspin drive. Slice or flat back deep cross court if you can.
3. Barely there in time, very unlikely to recover. Lob.
4. Almost impossible to recover, very tired. Smack it down the line and pray it goes in (as my coach puts it).

I feel like slice is the safest, best option. Probably the easiest to master. Lob feels weird probably because it’s the least used/ practiced.

I find it easier to hit cross court forehand top spin with western grip and full loop back swing, with a very relaxed grip and hold the racquet near the bottom, not too high. The bottom of the racquet handle rests in my palm.

 

[socallefty]

Do you ever practice wide FHs and running FHs? Or BHs? If you do so, you will become better at all options you practice and slowly be able to execute them in matches. These are common drills for advanced players. Many of your practice drills should focus on hitting on the run after 3-4 years of tennis - don’t forget the up/down drills also in addition to lateral movement drills.

 

[ballmachineguy]

I have a better feeling of where the racket face is aligned with eastern.

That is not a thing, or at least it shouldn’t be. When are you gonna learn a modern forehand? Like, really learn? Aren’t you supposed to come to Chicago?

 

[Curious]

don’t forget the up/down drills also in addition to lateral movement drills.

Definitely on the list. So many errors especially on short and low balls. A recurring issue is running straight to these balls without enough lateral spacing and trying a very low percentage option: topspin drive while the only reasonable thing to do is actually slicing (I’m talking about the ones I barely get to). Every time I think to myself after hitting the net: when will you stop doing this?

 

[socallefty]

Definitely on the list. So many errors especially on short and low balls. A recurring issue is running straight to these balls without enough lateral spacing and trying a very low percentage option: topspin drive while the only reasonable thing to do is actually slicing (I’m talking about the ones I barely get to). Every time I think to myself after hitting the net: when will you stop doing this?

If you have a relaxed wrist and you bend your knees to drop your racquet head below the contact point , you can flick it over the net with topspin.

 

[Curious]

If you have a relaxed wrist and you bend your knees to drop your racquet head below the contact point , you can flick it over the net with topspin.

Maybe it’s the lack of lateral spacing as I mentioned. I tend to run at the ball, so when I get to it, it’s right in front of me which makes it extremely hard to hit top spin drive.

 

[socallefty]

I tend to run at the ball,

Why do you do that when you know you can’t hit a proper shot without enough lateral spacing to extend and put a good swing on the ball?

 

[Curious]

Why do you do that when you know you can’t hit a proper shot without enough lateral spacing to extend and put a good swing on the ball?

I think it’s because I know I’ll struggle getting to the ball, hence subconsciously choose the shortest route.

 

[socallefty]

I think it’s because I know I’ll struggle getting to the ball, hence subconsciously choose the shortest route.

I wonder if you need to work on your anticipation skills so you can start running earlier. If an opponent doesn’t take a drop step off a deep ball to create space, they are most likely going to slice. Or if they step in with a high takeback, watch out for the slice. When they slice, watch carefully to see if they abbreviate the followthrough as that means for sure a drop shot or very short angle. Lastly, you have to listen carefully for mishits and framed shots as they tend to drop short also.

 

[StringSnapper]

You have a fraction of a second to decide on one of these options:
1. You got to the ball in time for a topspin deep cross court shot. Not enough angle or deep, the point is over!
2. Not confident for a topspin drive. Slice or flat back deep cross court if you can.
3. Barely there in time, very unlikely to recover. Lob.
4. Almost impossible to recover, very tired. Smack it down the line and pray it goes in (as my coach puts it).

I feel like slice is the safest, best option. Probably the easiest to master. Lob feels weird probably because it’s the least used/ practiced.

i agree with slice. in many situations its the only possible shot

however, some find a forehand slice to be awkward / havent learnt it. another consideration if your opponent comes in quick to volley behind their shot, probably a lob is better then

 

[Curious]

i agree with slice. in many situations its the only possible shot

however, some find a forehand slice to be awkward / havent learnt it. another consideration if your opponent comes in quick to volley behind their shot, probably a lob is better then

Agreed. Will dedicate a few practice sessions to wide ball slice on both wings. Deep cross court is the goal.

 

[LuckyR]

Not just "slice", but a squash shot.

 

[ratherlosethanpush]

Pulled out wide your odds go way down, you're not neutral 50-50 there so gambling big can be a better option (tennis players vs tennis players) if you're hacking it at a low level then odds may shift more towards defensive options.

Defensive, lob or moonball to buy time or get to the backhand also maybe.

More neutral cross you probably need to be able to recover and ideally break the sideline to get back into position

Attacking No-ones mentioned smoking it deep to box 3. It cuts their angle a little but you do need to be able to recover, or as has been said going all out for a winner box 4.

Edit: I'm lazy, fat, unfit and interested in shortening points so I'm drop shoting or smoking it to box 4. If they're weak enough for a lob to be a good option for me I'm not likely to bother with that play.

 

[Curious]

Pulled out wide your odds go way down, you're not neutral 50-50 there so gambling big can be a better option (tennis players vs tennis players) if you're hacking it at a low level then odds may shift more towards defensive options.

Defensive, lob or moonball to buy time or get to the backhand also maybe.

More neutral cross you probably need to be able to recover and ideally break the sideline to get back into position

Attacking No-ones mentioned smoking it deep to box 3. It cuts their angle a little but you do need to be able to recover, or as has been said going all out for a winner box 4.

Edit: I'm lazy, fat, unfit and interested in shortening points so I'm drop shoting or smoking it to box 4. If they're weak enough for a lob to be a good option for me I'm not likely to bother with that play.

Boxes 3 and 4?

 

[ratherlosethanpush]

Boxes 3 and 4?

See Evan Gaudreau he's done some articles on tennis nerd Re box training.

Box 1 wide fh, box 2 fh, box 3 bh, box 4 wide bh. Rh to rh.

Rather than just cross court and dtl u target boxes areas and learn where players hit back to from said box....

Wta is more open court hit to space winner all as he'd say, atp is more box grind now with these slow courts and balls open court attacking tennis is harder.

U have to wait for a short or the opponent to open up a wide ball from box 2 or 3 to get an advantage. U don't go wide from middle 2 boxes unless u get a weak ball or short ball or else you've open up angles on yourself.

 

[Curious]

See Evan Gaudreau he's done some articles on tennis nerd Re box training.

Box 1 wide fh, box 2 fh, box 3 bh, box 4 wide bh. Rh to rh.

Rather than just cross court and dtl u target boxes areas and learn where players hit back to from said box....

Wta is more open court hit to space winner all as he'd say, atp is more box grind now with these slow courts and balls open court attacking tennis is harder.

U have to wait for a short or the opponent to open up a wide ball from box 2 or 3 to get an advantage. U don't go wide from middle 2 boxes unless u get a weak ball or short ball or else you've open up angles on yourself.

Found it. Wide to wide, narrow to narrow, always cross court pretty much.

https://imgur.com/a/mjn8hKY

 

[Rosstour]

I’ll use it longer this time.

I think he has a point though. Especially when you're pushed out wide, you need to be able to bring those balls down

 

[Rosstour]

You have a fraction of a second to decide on one of these options:
1. You got to the ball in time for a topspin deep cross court shot. Not enough angle or deep, the point is over!
2. Not confident for a topspin drive. Slice or flat back deep cross court if you can.
3. Barely there in time, very unlikely to recover. Lob.
4. Almost impossible to recover, very tired. Smack it down the line and pray it goes in (as my coach puts it).

I feel like slice is the safest, best option. Probably the easiest to master. Lob feels weird probably because it’s the least used/ practiced.

If I'm there in time to rip it, I will. If not, slice squash shot. The other day I was in this position and I felt instinctively that when I realized I was gonna have to get behind the ball a bit when it was very low, my grip changed from a conti/E to a deep E.

 

[Curious]

Practicing this shot makes you realise how silly it is to make errors when you’re not pushed out wide. Coach Stokke says it’s inexcusable to hit the net or miss wide unless you shank it completely.

 

[LuckyR]

Practicing this shot makes you realise how silly it is to make errors when you’re not pushed out wide. Coach Stokke says it’s inexcusable to hit the net or miss wide unless you shank it completely.

Then every Pro performs many inexcusable actions in every match. Have you seen your coach play a match?

 

[socallefty]

Practicing this shot makes you realise how silly it is to make errors when you’re not pushed out wide. Coach Stokke says it’s inexcusable to hit the net or miss wide unless you shank it completely.

Then every Pro performs many inexcusable actions in every match. Have you seen your coach play a match?

The coach is likely referring to unforced errors. I do think it is a cardinal sin to make UFEs into the net or wide especially if you have time to set your feet properly. Forced errors can be of all types due to the pressure put by the opponent which likely makes you late to the ball.

 

[Curious]

The coach is likely referring to unforced errors. I do think it is a cardinal sin to make UFEs into the net or wide especially if you have time to set your feet properly. Forced errors can be of all types due to the pressure put by the opponent which likely makes you late to the ball.

Mainly the unforced errors I guess but even when the situation is a bit tough, instead of thinking ‘ah I was forced to make an error’, mindset should be to make it go in. That was the message I presume. Similar to Rick Macci saying ‘I don’t care how but you should get the ball back on return of serves if you get your racket on it’.

 

[LuckyR]

The coach is likely referring to unforced errors. I do think it is a cardinal sin to make UFEs into the net or wide especially if you have time to set your feet properly. Forced errors can be of all types due to the pressure put by the opponent which likely makes you late to the ball.

Of course. Thus he's either misquoted or using sloppy wording.

 

[ratherlosethanpush]

Found it. Wide to wide, narrow to narrow, always cross court pretty much.

https://imgur.com/a/mjn8hKY

That's the basics of a neutral rally, not what's he's necessarily recommending if up in the rally or under pressure.
There's a vid or 2 of him discussing stuff with Jonas watch them through.

 

[Fintft]

Do you ever practice wide FHs and running FHs? Or BHs? If you do so, you will become better at all options you practice and slowly be able to execute them in matches. These are common drills for advanced players. Many of your practice drills should focus on hitting on the run after 3-4 years of tennis - don’t forget the up/down drills also in addition to lateral movement drills.

I agree with you @ vokazu and @ballmachineguy .

For option 1 would be the main: drive CC FH deep or angled with my E grip.

 

[Fintft]

I think it’s because I know I’ll struggle getting to the ball, hence subconsciously choose the shortest route.

And @socallefty :
Besides anticipation ( by watching your opponent's racquet) and split step, I would start taking the racquet back with both hands earlier, before running.

 

[Curious]

And @socallefty :
Besides anticipation ( by watching your opponent's racquet) and split step, I would start taking the racquet back with both hands earlier, before running.

Also depends on how much distance I need to run, right? If a lot, I need to move fast and can’t do that with racket back.

 

[Fintft]

Also depends on how much distance I need to run, right? If a lot, I need to move fast and can’t do that with racket back.

Yes but, again do you practice?
And how long is your stride?
I don't think that you SS each time btw.

 

[Fintft]

That's the basics of a neutral rally, not what's he's necessarily recommending if up in the rally or under pressure.
There's a vid or 2 of him discussing stuff with Jonas watch them through.

Can you guys post some of those here as well please?

Besides drive CC, I also use loopy/moonball CC( to defend) and drive DTL ( when very confident or having both feet inside the court, or when I want to mix it up, hit behind etc).