taking my FH to the next level

[ProgressoR]

As I improve and play better players I note my fh doesn't dominate but its still ok. The problem is when I go for more pace I lose it. I muscle it too much and lose form and control. Today my coach showed me proper technique. The main thing is using a neutral stance. I currently use open stance and my poor form meant I was rotating too much. Now I focus on linear momentum not angular. So I have a contact point more in front and further to the right to let me swing freely. I swing out through the ball not so much high to low though of course there is still some high to low. I use my hips and shoulders to generate power and not the arm elbow or wrist. When it all works the result is fantastic. A very hard heavy fh not too high over the net and lots of pace and enough spin to dip it in. However I still sometimes use too much body or use the elbow too much and it flies long. Guess its a matter of timing and also getting used to the new contact point.

I thought I was using the kinetic chain ok but I realise I was only using it a fraction of its capability.

But I have seen glimpses of what my fh can do with good form and I have to say its pretty stunning for me. Its like a shot from a different planet for me. Long way to go but I have a goal to work hard towards.

Just sharing my enthusiasm.

 

[86golf]

Glad to hear things continue to progress. I'm in a similar spot, started at 3.0 3 years ago and played 4.0 the last two years. One of my biggest challenges is maintaining proper spacing on the fh side. All good when just hitting but in match situations, I tend to crowd it based on my video analysis. That said, the majority of club players get way too close on their fh but most are home grown swings not trying to use proper form. The other issue you bring up is the forward swing to contact. I too got caught up in the open stance ww and didn't realize how much forward swing is required for a high level forehand. Ya know that pop sound you hear when 5.0+ hit...that isn't brushing up the back of the ball, that is the ball compression on the strings from a good forward swing to contact albeit low to high. To have a proper forward swing , you really need to turn sideways otherwise you just wind up swiping across your body. Let's see some video soon.

 

[LeeD]

Most good players use open stance more for general rally balls and defensive returns.
When you want a forcing winner, you close your stance more, to neutral mainly or even slightly closed, but twist and move forwards into the shot to flatten it out and adding sidespin into the equation...not much, but some.
Hit more, make it consistent and strong. Ain't so much technique as repetition and tons of practice.