The advantage of correct technique.

[Clay Mize]

I see the purpose of technique as a method of swinging the racket that provides control of the shot.

Anyone can hit hard and technique is hardly required at all, but if you want a certain spin and speed on the shot, where you can control it to a certain part of the court.....then good technique is a must to execute this consistently. Correct technique would be matching a type of technique to the intended result. Ex. you need a Topspin technique for topspin and a slice technique for a slice.

I also think it is a mistake to label one way as better for all players, like many try to do with the straight arm Fh. I believe the double bend is better for most players, but don't deny the SA can be very good as well. That said, I believe there are certain important keys. I find that to be the strength of MTM instruction, which only focuses on a very few fundamental items and leaves the rest to style and preference.

I am not familiar with the "double bend" or what SA means. Can you elaborate?

 

[Mack-2]

I see the purpose of technique as a method of swinging the racket that provides control of the shot.

Anyone can hit hard and technique is hardly required at all, but if you want a certain spin and speed on the shot, where you can control it to a certain part of the court.....then good technique is a must to execute this consistently. Correct technique would be matching a type of technique to the intended result. Ex. you need a Topspin technique for topspin and a slice technique for a slice.

I also think it is a mistake to label one way as better for all players, like many try to do with the straight arm Fh. I believe the double bend is better for most players, but don't deny the SA can be very good as well. That said, I believe there are certain important keys. I find that to be the strength of MTM instruction, which only focuses on a very few fundamental items and leaves the rest to style and preference.

So what are these fundamentals and what part of the forehand and backhand strokes are not fundamentals but more style and preference?

 

[donquijote]

As you grow older, you will realize that correct technique is important for minimizing energy, preventing injuries, and getting enjoyment from the game. As far as winning or losing goes, you will always lose to somebody, it doesn't really matter.

Dear Suresh, I guess you're just being nice mate. It is hard to believe that you ever lose to someone.

 

[5263]

I am not familiar with the "double bend" or what SA means. Can you elaborate?

Sorry Clay, that is SA for straight arm and DB for double bend, which is one of the ways folks have divided Fhs into to main groups. Really sort of a useless classification other than some subtle generalities since most players use both at times and vary them quite a bit.

 

[5263]

So what are these fundamentals and what part of the forehand and backhand strokes are not fundamentals but more style and preference?

In a simple form it is getting your stroke to the slot, dragging to near contact, then starting your finish (up and across for topspin) to shape the stroke. Some call it finding the ball, then finishing to make it real simple.

 

[jga111]

Footwork is the most import component of 'good technique'. It doesn't matter how good your strokes are, if you're out of position or if you're not shifting and split stepping appropriately then you're on a downer.

 

[torpantennis]

Well, now a coach is improving the technique on my forehand. I was way too active with the arm and didn't turn my shoulders. But instead of saying what I SHOULD DO (i.e turn the shoulders), he said what I SHOULD NOT DO (avoid overactive legs and arm when hitting). That method, saying and demonstrating what I do and should avoid instead of saying what I should do worked much better on me. That opened my mind kinda, and believe it or not, shoulder turn started to come naturally without even focusing on it! Similarly on my serve, he was demonstrating what I did wrong with my legs and now he says I drop the racquet somewhat even though the racquet drop has always lacked on me. After working a couple times with correcting these glitches I feel like I'm on a good way on generating superior consistency compared to what I had earlier. Power is lacking though, but that will come eventually.

So yes, correct technique is important. But sometimes it might be better to focus on glitches instead of striving directly to that perfect form.

 

[user92626]

In a simple form it is getting your stroke to the slot, dragging to near contact, then starting your finish (up and across for topspin) to shape the stroke. Some call it finding the ball, then finishing to make it real simple.

What does "getting your stroke to the slot" mean? What's the slot?

You don't mention the off hand but for me it's incredibly important to the stroke.

 

[5263]

What does "getting your stroke to the slot" mean? What's the slot?

You don't mention the off hand but for me it's incredibly important to the stroke.

I'd agree he off hand can be very important to optimizing the stroke, but a one armed man could still hit the stroke and hit it very well. It would not be a primary fundamental Imo.

I see the slot as starting in the spot reached where the racket is in position to be "lagged to drag" the racket towards contact. That path as the racket is pulled and aligned to contact is like a slot on a drink machine. Once the change is dropped in the slot, it can travel the proper path to the destination (contact).