Timing Forehand vs. Backhand

[Lord Anomander]

Hey guys, I know it is hard to judge one's game without a video, however, one question is nagging at my mind.

I'm playing about 3 months with a coach now and he is happy with my process so far, but I'm really struggling with my forehand. It usually just doesn't feel right. With my (two-handed) backhand I'm so far as to take shots on the rise, step into the court, take it early and change direction. My forehand is almost limited to playing it cross or straight to the middle. I know placement is not the major concern in my current state, yet I would like to have a better feeling with my forehand in general. One thing my coach repeatedly tells me is that I have to backswing earlier - and that is true, my late backswing limits me at timing shots properly, but even when I focus on doing so I struggle once balls are relatively long. I can't take them during the rise as I can with my backhand. I don't know why, but with my backhand everything seems easier - I can use my weight to go into shots, but my forehand is at least 50% armed - I swing over my shoulder, but my hips refuse to go through the shot. Probably because of me hesitating before going for the shot, so I can't go all in. It's definitely easier on shorter balls, on this I manage to use my hips as well, but my stance often appears too open, which gives me less time to use hips/legs.

Are there any tips on how to improve the timing? I feel like with my backhand I have hours to aim at the ball and take it where I want to because it feels solid to me, but with my forehand I need the ball in the right height to hit it well :s

 

[jga111]

You have had 3 months. I have had nearly 2 years and I'm still not happy with my forehand. I have a OHBH - this is far far easier for me than the forehand.

From start to finish, the forehand is a complex stroke which is why its so difficult. Let's break down the forehand from ready position:

* Separation. Your non-dominant arm should be responsible for setting your racquet into your FH grip. Then release ASAP.

* Backswing. This can be a loop takeback or a more compact one. Doesn't matter, do what you feel is best for you - they both contribute to different style forehands however.

* Set into load position. More often than not, this will be where you left off your backswing. A lot of rec players however, and even some pros, they like to set their racquet lower before they strike forward. There is less 'whip' to this FH but more control and less room for error. Shooting from the high backswing however has more whip, but needs earlier preparation and more accuracy with timing.

Now there is more to talk about here (like leading with the wrist on your forward swing, swing path, etc)...But lets not go there. I believe you should concentrate on separating early, and get yourself into load position as soon as you can. Then shoot.

In the meantime it will be best to learn to visualise your contact point and know how and where your racquet is hitting the ball. This will help you as you progress, so you get a better feel for the ball which will improve where you place it, with spin, etc.

It's all about getting that separation / prep early and into load position asap. Once you can do that under pressure on a regular basis, then you have the foundation for experimenting on a FH that is a best for you. You can then focus on your wrist and your forward swing path. Generally for me I feel if you have too many things too focus on it can set you back or just take a good while before you get any kind of rhythm about your play