Video Updates - One month later: Critique and analyze my strokes, Vol. II

[habib]

About a month ago I posted a video of myself hitting against a wall in order to get some constructive criticism on my strokes. That video, for the curious or those wishing to refresh their memory, can be found in the old thread:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=92919

A few days ago, after getting my new digital camera )), I shot a few more videos to try and gauge what kind, if any, of improvements I'd made. My focus over this past month has revolved around the following areas:
- Hit through the ball more on the forehand
- Develop more hip action on the backhand
- Transfer my weight better on both sides
- Use legs more on both sides
- Improve footwork hella

Please take a look at the following videos and let me know what you think (B.Bill, you especially):
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_1.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_2.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_3.wmv

Each video is approximately 45 seconds long and ~9-10mb in size.

One thing I will say is that my backhand was slightly off in that session. I've consciously worked on incorporating more hip into it - I used to use mainly my arm and legs, but I've changed my technique so that I really only use my arm for control and dictating flat/topspin, while using my hips to generate the power. That night, however, my concentration wavered and I slipped into some old habits on a couple of the shots.

Also, I compiled two videos of what I considered to be the best shots I hit - both in terms of aesthetics and proper technique - ie: while I may have transfered my weight well into the shot on many strokes, I didn't necessarily generate a lot of power from/use my legs effectively on all of them. These compilations represent what I consider to be the most technically sound strokes:
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/forehands.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/backhands.wmv

In any case, take a look, analyze, critique!

 

[ralphtifftennis]

Wow,

I think you look much better, especially on forehand side. You look much smoother, relaxed, and under control.

You are stepping across a little to much on backhand side with your right leg. Don't cross step so much and this allows your upper body to rotate better. Just be sure to turn those shoulders so as to slightly expose your back, not butt, to the net. It does look like you have corrected this some though. Good luck

 

[habib]

You are stepping across a little to much on backhand side with your right leg. Don't cross step so much and this allows your upper body to rotate better.

Hmm, that makes sense, as it would allow me more range of motion when turning my hips to the right. I'll work on it.

 

[ralphtifftennis]

Yes, that is correct Habib.


Don't step "across" as much. Instead step just a little more "forward" with that leg.

Then continue to rotate your shoulders further around so as to slightly expose your back to the net.(lower body stable, upper body rotates back). You will actually be looking over your right shoulder and chin may even touch it.

This allows your body, trunk/hips, to play a greater role in the shot. I like to raise the racket head above me as it is behind. This tends to dip the right(hitting) shoulder and insures I will impart spin.


You are not that far off so don't over compensate!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------


you can try the opposite and extreme just to see how it works. cross step even more as to expose your butt to the net. now try and hit the ball. it will be all arm and no body. Unless you throw yourself around.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------



GOOD LUCK!

 

[Bungalo Bill]

About a month ago I posted a video of myself hitting against a wall in order to get some constructive criticism on my strokes. That video, for the curious or those wishing to refresh their memory, can be found in the old thread:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=92919

A few days ago, after getting my new digital camera )), I shot a few more videos to try and gauge what kind, if any, of improvements I'd made. My focus over this past month has revolved around the following areas:
- Hit through the ball more on the forehand
- Develop more hip action on the backhand
- Transfer my weight better on both sides
- Use legs more on both sides
- Improve footwork hella

Please take a look at the following videos and let me know what you think (B.Bill, you especially):
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_1.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_2.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_3.wmv

Each video is approximately 45 seconds long and ~9-10mb in size.

One thing I will say is that my backhand was slightly off in that session. I've consciously worked on incorporating more hip into it - I used to use mainly my arm and legs, but I've changed my technique so that I really only use my arm for control and dictating flat/topspin, while using my hips to generate the power. That night, however, my concentration wavered and I slipped into some old habits on a couple of the shots.

Also, I compiled two videos of what I considered to be the best shots I hit - both in terms of aesthetics and proper technique - ie: while I may have transfered my weight well into the shot on many strokes, I didn't necessarily generate a lot of power from/use my legs effectively on all of them. These compilations represent what I consider to be the most technically sound strokes:
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/forehands.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/backhands.wmv

In any case, take a look, analyze, critique!

Habib,

You are one buff dude! Good job on staying fit.

I see slight balance issues but nothing major just little things that always need to be ironed out. Even the great Rodger Federer still practices keeping his head still.

I think you have the makings to be a very good player! I promise to review your strokes. I did rush through the first backhand video and want you to compare things.

One thing I would like you to do, review Haas's arm motion. Draw a line and see how his hitting hand goes back and forward during the onehanded backhand, then watch yours on all of them. Take note about consistency and the pattern or patterns you make.

http://www.uspta.com/html/e-lesson-Backhand%20side%20view.swf

Look at the extension, where the racquet finishes, how he goes through the ball, and the racquet position on the high part of the takeback. Compare that to yours and see what you come up with.

I know this is only one video but a lot of elements are there. I will critique later. Thanks.

 

[theartoftennis]

One thing I noticed on your FH side is sometimes you lift up a leg.(mainly the right) This causes some balance issues, and may resist a fluent shoulder/waist turn. Look at your high(shoulder/head) FH's, and see how you used your legs causing you to "explode" into the air, and your shoulder turn made your whole body turn, causing you to land parallel to the wall. Practice on either turning your body so that your feet land parallel together, or using your legs more like you did on your higher ones.

 

[habib]

One thing I noticed on your FH side is sometimes you lift up a leg.(mainly the right) This causes some balance issues, and may resist a fluent shoulder/waist turn. Look at your high(shoulder/head) FH's, and see how you used your legs causing you to "explode" into the air, and your shoulder turn made your whole body turn, causing you to land parallel to the wall. Practice on either turning your body so that your feet land parallel together, or using your legs more like you did on your higher ones.

You are psychic because that is exactly what I thought I needed to work on next on the forehand. Now, there is a reason for the leg lift - if you've seen my earlier videos, you have noticed that I pretty much didn't transfer my weight into the shot at all, and just stayed on my back foot. The lifting of the back foot has been a conscious effort to force myself to transfer said weight. You will also notice that on some forehands in the new video I just step onto the left foot, and on some I propel myself off of my right foot onto my left. The latter has been happening more and more. So, baby steps. Once I can push off my right leg and transfer my weight into the shot on a regular, subconscious basis, then I will actively work on the 'explosion' I manage instinctively on higher shots.

 

[habib]

Habib,
You are one buff dude! Good job on staying fit.

Why thank you .

One thing I would like you to do, review Haas's arm motion. Draw a line and see how his hitting hand goes back and forward during the onehanded backhand, then watch yours on all of them. Take note about consistency and the pattern or patterns you make.

http://www.uspta.com/html/e-lesson-Backhand%20side%20view.swf

I think (THINK) I see what you are talking about...his backswing follows an almost identical trajectory as his fore-swing, only in reverse, yes? I notice on my backswing I tend loop the racquet on take-back - looked to me vaguely Guga-like, actually.

Look at the extension, where the racquet finishes, how he goes through the ball, and the racquet position on the high part of the takeback. Compare that to yours and see what you come up with.

My racquet comes a little higher up and farther back.

Hrmm...looking at that clip, and at his DC match against Gasquet, his bent upwards on take back, causing his racquet to be more perpendicular to the net (frame edge facing net) than mine. Although, the fact that I take the racquet farther behind me could account for my more parallel face.

In any case, I anxiously await the rest of your analysis. We all have lives, so I understand if you take your time. Better for me that way, I figure.

 

[theartoftennis]

You're probably making too much of a conscious effort to put your body into it. Practice stepping with your right foot and loading all of your wait into a knee bend, and step with your left foot to move your weight foreward into your shot. The rest will follow naturally.

 

[Mountainman]

About a month ago I posted a video of myself hitting against a wall in order to get some constructive criticism on my strokes. That video, for the curious or those wishing to refresh their memory, can be found in the old thread:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=92919

A few days ago, after getting my new digital camera )), I shot a few more videos to try and gauge what kind, if any, of improvements I'd made. My focus over this past month has revolved around the following areas:
- Hit through the ball more on the forehand
- Develop more hip action on the backhand
- Transfer my weight better on both sides
- Use legs more on both sides
- Improve footwork hella

Please take a look at the following videos and let me know what you think (B.Bill, you especially):
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_1.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_2.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_3.wmv

Each video is approximately 45 seconds long and ~9-10mb in size.

One thing I will say is that my backhand was slightly off in that session. I've consciously worked on incorporating more hip into it - I used to use mainly my arm and legs, but I've changed my technique so that I really only use my arm for control and dictating flat/topspin, while using my hips to generate the power. That night, however, my concentration wavered and I slipped into some old habits on a couple of the shots.

Also, I compiled two videos of what I considered to be the best shots I hit - both in terms of aesthetics and proper technique - ie: while I may have transfered my weight well into the shot on many strokes, I didn't necessarily generate a lot of power from/use my legs effectively on all of them. These compilations represent what I consider to be the most technically sound strokes:
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/forehands.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/backhands.wmv

In any case, take a look, analyze, critique!

I remember nip-picking your balance issue on your last post. It looks like you improved so much with your strokes. What I analyzed this time is your consistency. You got a full swing with semi-western to western forehand and a one handed backhand. Those strokes seem to produce a lot of spin which makes shot unpredictable and a little uncontrollable. This is what you could try. Get a masking tap. Make a box about the same size as your upper body on the wall. You goal is hit as many balls in the box as possible. If you get ten consective hits, reduce the size of the box, then hit twenty. Then switch backhand to forehand this backhand again. Increase the distant between you and the wall. This will require power control. The farther you are, harder the consistency of the power. Closer you are, quicker you got to be. No double bounces. Play single bounces only. Good luck!

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Why thank you .

I think (THINK) I see what you are talking about...his backswing follows an almost identical trajectory as his fore-swing, only in reverse, yes? I notice on my backswing I tend loop the racquet on take-back - looked to me vaguely Guga-like, actually.

But Guga as well uses the U shape pattern. He obviously has a deeper swing pattern but that is Guga. Not many players can time the ball with such a big turn in the shoulders. etc...Remember Guga was a freak of nature in his flexibility around his neck and shoulders.

My racquet comes a little higher up and farther back.

Hrmm...looking at that clip, and at his DC match against Gasquet, his bent upwards on take back, causing his racquet to be more perpendicular to the net (frame edge facing net) than mine. Although, the fact that I take the racquet farther behind me could account for my more parallel face.

In any case, I anxiously await the rest of your analysis. We all have lives, so I understand if you take your time. Better for me that way, I figure.

I am not doing you any justice by just talking about something I have not truly analzyed.

Here is my thing, you are a very good tennis player, a smart man (your physics analysis was verygood), and you want to improve. Is there anyway to download these videos? Or is the site the only place to see them? Anyone?

 

[Owfred]

If you are talking about habib's videos, play it in windows media player, click "File". "Save media as". Name it and then it should be done.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

If you are talking about habib's videos, play it in windows media player, click "File". "Save media as". Name it and then it should be done.

Okay! Thanks very much!

 

[JCo872]

About a month ago I posted a video of myself hitting against a wall in order to get some constructive criticism on my strokes. That video, for the curious or those wishing to refresh their memory, can be found in the old thread:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=92919

A few days ago, after getting my new digital camera )), I shot a few more videos to try and gauge what kind, if any, of improvements I'd made. My focus over this past month has revolved around the following areas:
- Hit through the ball more on the forehand
- Develop more hip action on the backhand
- Transfer my weight better on both sides
- Use legs more on both sides
- Improve footwork hella

Please take a look at the following videos and let me know what you think (B.Bill, you especially):
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_1.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_2.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_3.wmv

Each video is approximately 45 seconds long and ~9-10mb in size.

One thing I will say is that my backhand was slightly off in that session. I've consciously worked on incorporating more hip into it - I used to use mainly my arm and legs, but I've changed my technique so that I really only use my arm for control and dictating flat/topspin, while using my hips to generate the power. That night, however, my concentration wavered and I slipped into some old habits on a couple of the shots.

Also, I compiled two videos of what I considered to be the best shots I hit - both in terms of aesthetics and proper technique - ie: while I may have transfered my weight well into the shot on many strokes, I didn't necessarily generate a lot of power from/use my legs effectively on all of them. These compilations represent what I consider to be the most technically sound strokes:
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/forehands.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/backhands.wmv

In any case, take a look, analyze, critique!

Habib,

I just looked at your forehand video. You have wonderful technique on contact and hitting through the ball. The one thing I noticed, and it took me a little while to figure out, was it looks like you are actually taking the racket back too quickly. You sometimes even completely stop for a second when the racket is all the ay back because you are getting there too quickly. If you could take the racket back slower and more rhythmically you could get the entire shot as one flowing movement and it would improve the kintetic chain. It's a myth on ground strokes that you have to take your racket back quickly. I know most people here don't think much of Oscar Wegner, but his concept of "stalking the ball", makes a lot of sense to me, although he needs to be more specific about how you do it. I show you in the second link below.

Take a look at Federer here. His arm and racket never stop moving. They slow down and adjust but there is always movement from beginning to contact:
http://www.hi-techtennis.com/forehand.cfm

Check this out as well. I think it will help you big time:
http://www.hi-techtennis.com/forehand/takeback/takeback.cfm

Click where it says "See More Pro Takebacks". You can really see the way they slowly develop rhythm on the takeback. When they open their elbow up towards the back they do it much slower than you do.

Other than the the rhythm on the take back, your technique is wonderful.

Jeff

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Habib,

I just looked at your forehand video. You have wonderful technique on contact and hitting through the ball. The one thing I noticed, and it took me a little while to figure out, was it looks like you are actually taking the racket back too quickly. You sometimes even completely stop for a second when the racket is all the ay back because you are getting there too quickly. If you could take the racket back slower and more rhythmically you could get the entire shot as one flowing movement and it would improve the kintetic chain. It's a bit of myth on the forehand that you have to take your racket back quickly.

I think the issue here is the backboard. Habib, needs to hit in a rally with someone else his skill level to see if this "hitch" is a real issue or not. On some of the backboard shots that were coming to him quickly he flowed through. On other balls he received (probably due to the nature of the backboard) there was slight hesitation which you saw.

What Habib needs to do is plant that backfoot more to stay in the contact zone longer. He needs to practice anchoring and exaggerating this so his leg doesn't "pop up". This will help him rotate INTO the ball more and less away from it.

However, if you look at Federers footwork (as well as other pros), he brings the backfoot around after contact and as he is finishing his stroke. This is the recovery move.

As a coach, I would use his natural tendency to move that foot and train it for strong recovery use the way Rodeger and others show how they move that foot.

 

[JCo872]

I think the issue here is the backboard. Habib, needs to hit in a rally with someone else his skill level to see if this "hitch" is a real issue or not. On some of the backboard shots that were coming to him quickly he flowed through. On other balls he received (probably due to the nature of the backboard) there was slight hesitation which you saw.

what Habib needs to do is plant that backfoot more to stay in the contact zone longer. He needs to practice anchoring and exaggerating this so his leg doesn't "pop up". This will help him rotate INTO the ball more and less away from it.

Very good point. Exactly. Hitting against the wall gives you much less time, so we need to see some footage of rally hitting.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Very good point. Exactly. Hitting against the wall gives you much less time, so we need to see some footage of rally hitting.

You are on it. I think Habib can make a more forceful effort with that leg that goes up. I would like to see it stay closer to the ground and be quickly available for a pushoff to recovery. What do you think?

 

[JCo872]

You are on it. I think Habib can make a more forceful effort with that leg that goes up. I would like to see it stay closer to the ground and be quickly available for a pushoff to recovery. What do you think?

Holy smokes I didn't even see that! Wow. What you said is right on the money:

"What Habib needs to do is plant that backfoot more to stay in the contact zone longer. He needs to practice anchoring and exaggerating this so his leg doesn't "pop up". This will help him rotate INTO the ball more and less away from it."

I'm suprised I didn't see that. Great observation.

 

[habib]

Holy smokes I didn't even see that! Wow. What you said is right on the money:

"What Habib needs to do is plant that backfoot more to stay in the contact zone longer. He needs to practice anchoring and exaggerating this so his leg doesn't "pop up". This will help him rotate INTO the ball more and less away from it."

I'm suprised I didn't see that. Great observation.

I'm having a little trouble conceptualizing and understanding this series of comments regarding the back foot. It's hard for me to transfer my weight into the shot when I keep it 'anchored' to the ground, although looking at the videos I notice I managed to do it on a few shots. Still, it seems like I get more into the shot when I transfer my weight off of it. Can you post some clips or screencaps of something close to what you are advising?

Otherwise, some excellent tips here. I'm definitely going to try that target thing out when I get home in a few days from Vegas.

Thanks guys, keep em coming.

And Bill, if you're on a PC, right-click the links and select 'save target as.' If you are on a Mac, I believe you can still do this by holding down Ctrl and clicking your solitary, sad, lonely little mouse button for a right-mouse-button-like effect.

 

[habib]

But Guga as well uses the U shape pattern. He obviously has a deeper swing pattern but that is Guga. Not many players can time the ball with such a big turn in the shoulders. etc...Remember Guga was a freak of nature in his flexibility around his neck and shoulders.

Yes, you are right. Looking at some Guga clips he does bring it back in the U pattern. Is this preferable? I think I can see how this would definitely help the consistency of the stroke, since it would follow one path in both directions.

Edit: And Jco, interestingly enough, a lot of my current forehand technique is due to your posts. Specifically, when you were helping someone out with a forehand a week or two ago, and posted a clip of your girlfriend to point out how the arm is supposed to look on the follow through (ie: elbow pointed forward). That was a big revelation for me.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Yes, you are right. Looking at some Guga clips he does bring it back in the U pattern. Is this preferable? I think I can see how this would definitely help the consistency of the stroke, since it would follow one path in both directions.

Every pro I have studied moves the hitting hand in this fashion. Some players like Guga do it in a more flamboyant way, but it is the same pattern. Remember Guga is one of a kind and a fantastic player. I loved watching him play.

From the ready position (butt cap pointing to the belly button), if you learn to turn your shoulders and at the same time go up one side of the U for your backswing (sor of like your are rocking back and loading the legs), you will see a big difference in your onehanded backhand because you will have to generate your power from your legs and torso.

Most players do not let the hitting hand go higher than the shoulder or further away from their back shoulder. It is a good idea at first to keep the hitting hand within your body for timing. Later, you can get it going like Guga who is on the extreme.

In some of the videos, you had a circular motion with your hand. You made a big backward C pattern. However, when players trying to get the onehander down use this pattern, the side wall of the big C is what gets them in trouble and usually hitting late.

Also, if you study the Guga clip (I know it is only one clip) his racquet control is awesome and much like Haas. Notice the big L that still exists on the followthrough. You need to master that. Later you can hit like Henin flinging the racquet wildly at the ball for extreme power. But even Henin can control that racquet (and does) keeping her big L through the shot.

 

[habib]

An update:

So I've been working some on re-designing my backhand. Working on the hand pattern on the backswing, the shoulder turn, the hip turn, etc... The thing is, for me, the C-pattern backswing was part of the rhythm, so it's a righteous pain in the ass adjusting to a different packswing. Letting my racquet loop up and drop was also convinient, and it's taking me a bit to get comfortable with having my racquet change direction mid-backswing.

I was making very little progress at first, but then tried locking my wrist during the backswing like Haas does in that clip, and I'm getting better in terms of clean contact, as it forces my hand/wrist to stay steady, but it's uncomfortable as hell keeping my hand/wrist stiff through the swing, and lining the racquet face up correctly is a whole new ball game so I'm hitting a lot of balls 20 feet over the net and out of the court, but very cleanly with a nice pop, haha.

The biggest problem I have is really that change of direction on the backswing, the racquet goes up (which is still a conscious thing for me, I haven't yet gotten to the "shoulder turn brings the racquet back" stage), and then I'm still experimenting to find out whether I should passively let it drop or start dragging it forward. Honestly, the natural tendency for me on the backhand, ever since it first 'clicked' for me, has been am almost straight takeback, ie: not bringing the racquet up nearly as much as Haas, or even Blake do. But it seems like this nullifies some power and comfort as well. Aya, I don't know.

When to engage the hips is also a slightly confusnig. On the forehand, I throw my hips into it when the racquet is still behnid me and has completed the backswing. On the backhand, it feels like I should really only be engaging the hips when the racquet has already dropped to at or below ball level and moved forward to be almost even with the hips - ie: closer to contact.

Any ideas?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

An update:

The thing is, for me, the C-pattern backswing was part of the rhythm, so it's a righteous pain in the ass adjusting to a different packswing.

It is always hard to change. Keep reminding yourself why you are doing it. Write down the pros and cons of your C pattern with the more commonly used U pattern in the pros.

Also, keep in mind the U pattern on the backswing side is pretty much your shoulder turn. You turn the shoulders and take the racquet back and go up with the arm - that's it. All your efforts are now coiled to go forward. With your strength it will be a beautiful and powerful backhand.

Any ideas?

Keep practicing, it will come. I remember helping a fellow tennis player in S. California several months back. Getting him to simply rock back and prepare efforts forward, it took time for him as well, but once he got it - POW!

 

[habib]

It is always hard to change.
Keep practicing, it will come.

Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm gonna try to get my girlfriend out to the wall with me for some filming within the next few days, and hopefully get a video of me with the 'U' takeback up here for some analysis.

P.S: Any comment on the wrist and hand? I mean, should I be locking it in a sort of laidback position on the takeback like Haas seems to do in the clip you posted?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm gonna try to get my girlfriend out to the wall with me for some filming within the next few days, and hopefully get a video of me with the 'U' takeback up here for some analysis.

P.S: Any comment on the wrist and hand? I mean, should I be locking it in a sort of laidback position on the takeback like Haas seems to do in the clip you posted?

I do. I put the wrist in position in case the ball is coming fast. I simply rock back and then fire. You will also see that when you rock the hand lower in the U shape motion, you will go up through high balls more and won't fling the racquet so much.

Dont forget to go through the ball and move the swing in the followthough up while maintaining the long L position. Keep it simple and effective.

 

[habib]

Ok I focused on figuring this thing out during a 30 or 40 minute board session a little earlier today. It seems to me, from experimentation, that this takeback and follow through (all from the hips and legs, basically) benefits a lot from a very quick rhythm. It worked best for me as a very snappy two-step move: one-two, back-forward. And, although I couldn't see myself hit, it felt like I was hitting the backhand a LOT like James Blake. A quick takeback and then boom - legs and hips into the ball.

I got more and more confident with the shot throughout and it didn't feel quite as uncomfortable by the end (my arm very naturally wants to release my wrist). As I was winding up I started blasting the balls and on what I planned to be the last, and, therefore, hardest, shot of the night popped a string almost in the exact geometric center of the racquet. Good stuff.

Still doesn't feel quite right, and my arm is forearm/elbow area is a little sore, but we'll see what happens.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Ok I focused on figuring this thing out during a 30 or 40 minute board session a little earlier today. It seems to me, from experimentation, that this takeback and follow through (all from the hips and legs, basically) benefits a lot from a very quick rhythm. It worked best for me as a very snappy two-step move: one-two, back-forward. And, although I couldn't see myself hit, it felt like I was hitting the backhand a LOT like James Blake. A quick takeback and then boom - legs and hips into the ball.

I got more and more confident with the shot throughout and it didn't feel quite as uncomfortable by the end (my arm very naturally wants to release my wrist). As I was winding up I started blasting the balls and on what I planned to be the last, and, therefore, hardest, shot of the night popped a string almost in the exact geometric center of the racquet. Good stuff.

Still doesn't feel quite right, and my arm is forearm/elbow area is a little sore, but we'll see what happens.

It will feel definetly shorter than your normal stroke which is why you think you look like Blake hitting the ball.

But remember, although Blake uses the exact same motion as Haas, Guga, and others, your style will develop out of it once you get the motion memorized and mastered.

Although the "smile" pattern exists in nearly all professional onehanders, they differ on how big of a smile pattern they make and the extent of how far they take the racquet out of the body zone. This will develop for you over time. For now, master the motion and don't worry about the rest.

Be careful not to overhit. Hit smoothly and focus on being consistent with your effort into the ball. The hips and legs are used but not overused.

 

[superbooga]

Basically I think there are two general methods of weight transfer in the forehand:
1) Shift your weight forward. Usually during the stroke your weight will move from one foot to the other.
2) Plant your right leg (for right-handed players) and rotate around it.

I use the second method almost all the time. However, to attack short balls I use another method:

3) Step in with your left foot, plant it, and then rotate around it. The result is that your right foot will be dragged forward. At the end, your right foot will be closer to the net than your left.

If your right foot lifts off the ground, it should be because you jumped off your right foot, or you did 3).

If you use method 2), just focus on keeping the weight planted on your right foot. When you finish the stroke, your heel should be off the ground, but the front of the foot should be still on the ground. Your foot should face forward or slightly to the left.

In april2606_2.wmv:
For the forehand at 0:05, you right foot come off the ground. However, this is good because you planted your right foot first and jumped off of it. BTW, I think this was your best shot in that video.

In forehands.wmv:
Most of your shots are of method 3), but sometimes you lift your foot to high in comparision to how much it travels forward. If you deliver most of your power through rotation, pick a foot to plant and keep it planted.

 

[Roddick The Beast]

About a month ago I posted a video of myself hitting against a wall in order to get some constructive criticism on my strokes. That video, for the curious or those wishing to refresh their memory, can be found in the old thread:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=92919

A few days ago, after getting my new digital camera )), I shot a few more videos to try and gauge what kind, if any, of improvements I'd made. My focus over this past month has revolved around the following areas:
- Hit through the ball more on the forehand
- Develop more hip action on the backhand
- Transfer my weight better on both sides
- Use legs more on both sides
- Improve footwork hella

Please take a look at the following videos and let me know what you think (B.Bill, you especially):
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_1.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_2.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/april2606_3.wmv

Each video is approximately 45 seconds long and ~9-10mb in size.

One thing I will say is that my backhand was slightly off in that session. I've consciously worked on incorporating more hip into it - I used to use mainly my arm and legs, but I've changed my technique so that I really only use my arm for control and dictating flat/topspin, while using my hips to generate the power. That night, however, my concentration wavered and I slipped into some old habits on a couple of the shots.

Also, I compiled two videos of what I considered to be the best shots I hit - both in terms of aesthetics and proper technique - ie: while I may have transfered my weight well into the shot on many strokes, I didn't necessarily generate a lot of power from/use my legs effectively on all of them. These compilations represent what I consider to be the most technically sound strokes:
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/forehands.wmv
http://s88847455.onlinehome.us/tennis/backhands.wmv

In any case, take a look, analyze, critique!

It all looks good for me. Not sure because the levels are different in different areas, but I'd say you are 4.5 - (exaggerated) 5.0.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

For the forehand at 0:05, you right foot come off the ground. However, this is good because you planted your right foot first and jumped off of it. BTW, I think this was your best shot in that video.

Actually it is not so good. The foot needs to stay based on the ground longer and is the source of rotational power for the open stance.

If you were looking at this leg solely from a "hitting the ball" point of view then a player can do whatever they want with that leg. But tennis isn't a one hit sport.

In order to execute a good recovery move, both feet need to be nearly level so he can use the rotation he has to bring his feet in place for immediate pushoff.

In forehands.wmv:
Most of your shots are of method 3), but sometimes you lift your foot to high in comparision to how much it travels forward. If you deliver most of your power through rotation, pick a foot to plant and keep it planted.

We have already covered this above. Read the posts.

 

[superbooga]

Actually it is not so good. The foot needs to stay based on the ground longer and is the source of rotational power for the open stance.

I guess you're right about this, it does come off the ground early. However, I think he had the right idea with this shot, planting the right foot and jumping, it's just it happened too early.

We have already covered this above. Read the posts.

I did. But do you always suggest using the backfoot? I hit open stance almost all the time, taking a small step back and to the right with the right foot. So I use the right foot, which is also the backfoot. However, Habib hits a lot of shots by stepping forward with left foot.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I guess you're right about this, it does come off the ground early. However, I think he had the right idea with this shot, planting the right foot and jumping, it's just it happened too early.



I did. But do you always suggest using the backfoot? I hit open stance almost all the time, taking a small step back and to the right with the right foot. So I use the right foot, which is also the backfoot. However, Habib hits a lot of shots by stepping forward with left foot.

Not always as you already know. But with Habib he has a habit of "lifting" his backfoot too high and too soon. If he is going to hit on the wall, he needs to practice using his rotation to reposition his feet for recovery and pushoff, not just for a certain finish. Do you see what I mean?

 

[habib]

I did. But do you always suggest using the backfoot? I hit open stance almost all the time, taking a small step back and to the right with the right foot. So I use the right foot, which is also the backfoot. However, Habib hits a lot of shots by stepping forward with left foot.

Yeah, if you look at my old video, although it's not the best example, you'll notice that I used to hit virtually all of my forehands using what you describe as method number 1 - which is also how Blake hits 99% of his forehands. However, for one reason or another probably having to do with my timing or technique, I find that the 'lifting up off of and rotating around the right (back) foot' method, although far, far more natural for me, doesn't do me a whole lot of good in terms of power and driving through the ball.

After reading a post and seeing some pics regarding follow-through positions posted by Jcon here and on his website, respectively, I started coming off the right foot to force myself to actively transfer my weight - even if I wasn't really pushing off the back foot too much, I was just focusing on getting my weight moving figuring that once it became more natural for me I would evolve a more pronounced leg drive, which is basically what is happening, albeit slowly.

 

[superbooga]

Yeah, if you look at my old video, although it's not the best example, you'll notice that I used to hit virtually all of my forehands using what you describe as method number 1 - which is also how Blake hits 99% of his forehands. However, for one reason or another probably having to do with my timing or technique, I find that the 'lifting up off of and rotating around the right (back) foot' method, although far, far more natural for me, doesn't do me a whole lot of good in terms of power and driving through the ball.

After reading a post and seeing some pics regarding follow-through positions posted by Jcon here and on his website, respectively, I started coming off the right foot to force myself to actively transfer my weight - even if I wasn't really pushing off the back foot too much, I was just focusing on getting my weight moving figuring that once it became more natural for me I would evolve a more pronounced leg drive, which is basically what is happening, albeit slowly.

I don't really remember how Blake hits his forehands, but you are sure he's stepping in with the left foot and then hitting off it? Watch carefully which foot moves last. Many pros will step forward with the left, but at the final moment take a very very small step back with the right.

It's probably a matter of timing and technique that you're having trouble getting power with rotation around the right, because you should be able to get more than enough power using torque instead of simply moving your weight forward.

When you rotate, you should feel a strong outward pulling force from your arm and racquet. If you completely let go of the racquet, it should fly out like the discus in the discus throw. You don't have to learn forward, in fact you might have to lean slightly back to counteract the outward force. You can also counteract the outward force by pulling the left shoulder further back. This is another thing you should feel, the pull of your left shoulder.

Pick up your racquet and take a slow swing. You should notice a delay between when the left shoulder pulls back and when the racquet moves forward.

Now point your butt-cap forward and take a slow swing. Notice that the wrist layback increases the zone, or the length of the arc, in which the racquet face is moving straight forward. In other words, this is how you convert all that torque into forward drive. If you don't have wrist layback, this zone is a lot smaller and it becomes a lot harder to hit the ball with forward drive. Now imagine contacting the ball inside this region.

Try exaggerating the size of this zone without it becoming too unnatural. Now the next time you practice against the wall, use this exaggerated zone, starting with slow but complete swings. You should be surprised how hard you can hit the ball this way. Because you're taking a slow swing with a slow recovery, the ball will probably zip past you if you stand too close.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I don't really remember how Blake hits his forehands, but you are sure he's stepping in with the left foot and then hitting off it? Watch carefully which foot moves last. Many pros will step forward with the left, but at the final moment take a very very small step back with the right.

It's probably a matter of timing and technique that you're having trouble getting power with rotation around the right, because you should be able to get more than enough power using torque instead of simply moving your weight forward.

When you rotate, you should feel a strong outward pulling force from your arm and racquet. If you completely let go of the racquet, it should fly out like the discus in the discus throw. You don't have to learn forward, in fact you might have to lean slightly back to counteract the outward force. You can also counteract the outward force by pulling the left shoulder further back. This is another thing you should feel, the pull of your left shoulder.

Pick up your racquet and take a slow swing. You should notice a delay between when the left shoulder pulls back and when the racquet moves forward.

Now point your butt-cap forward and take a slow swing. Notice that the wrist layback increases the zone, or the length of the arc, in which the racquet face is moving straight forward. In other words, this is how you convert all that torque into forward drive. If you don't have wrist layback, this zone is a lot smaller and it becomes a lot harder to hit the ball with forward drive. Now imagine contacting the ball inside this region.

Try exaggerating the size of this zone without it becoming too unnatural. Now the next time you practice against the wall, use this exaggerated zone, starting with slow but complete swings. You should be surprised how hard you can hit the ball this way. Because you're taking a slow swing with a slow recovery, the ball will probably zip past you if you stand too close.

I just went to John's website and reviewed Blake's stance and footwork during the stroke. All of them were open stance. All of them had Blake load the back leg and then rotate his stroke into the ball.

He uses a rising effect (knees are bent at first) and then lifts up off his back leg once contact is made or around contact give or take a few frames.

He uses this lift to unwieght the back leg so he can use the unwieghting to reset his feet for recovery which is what we are trying to get Habib to practice.

The back leg is still close to the ground even when Blake lifts off the ground and both feet are about even when he is off the ground completly.

 

[habib]

I don't really remember how Blake hits his forehands, but you are sure he's stepping in with the left foot and then hitting off it? Watch carefully which foot moves last. Many pros will step forward with the left, but at the final moment take a very very small step back with the right.

No, he doesn't step in. Blake loads up his rear leg and then rotates around it on the vast majority of his forehands. I may have gotten your numbers mixed up. In any case, with regards to the zone and everything - my wrist is laid back during the swing and I know everything you're talking about, but for some reason I just can't really generate much power using that technique. The stepping into the shot thing works better for me. It may change as time goes on and I realize which elements in the stroke are doing what.

 

[superbooga]

Here's another way I transfer my weight for the forehand:

Against a slow, high ball, my feet will be spaced apart, both pointing right. I will bend both knees, but I will place the weight on my left leg, so that it's bent more, and hold this position for a long time. When I hit the ball, I transfer my weight to the right and rotate around it.

Honestly, I'm not sure if this is more effective then just loading the right leg and holding it there.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

No, he doesn't step in. Blake loads up his rear leg and then rotates around it on the vast majority of his forehands. I may have gotten your numbers mixed up. In any case, with regards to the zone and everything - my wrist is laid back during the swing and I know everything you're talking about, but for some reason I just can't really generate much power using that technique. The stepping into the shot thing works better for me. It may change as time goes on and I realize which elements in the stroke are doing what.

It is also your swing path that needs a look at. Too much wiping. But that is for another story.

 

[habib]

It is also your swing path that needs a look at. Too much wiping. But that is for another story.

Still? Really? I'm hitting along a far more horizontal trajectory now and going through the ball more...

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Still? Really? I'm hitting along a far more horizontal trajectory now and going through the ball more...

What I mean is, if you are not getting the pace on the ball that you should, it is usually too much brushing or wiping up the back of the ball.

 

[Rep. Timothy Calhoun]

What I mean is, if you are not getting the pace on the ball that you should, it is usually too much brushing or wiping up the back of the ball.

I think I know what you are getting at. You are suggesting that he model the modern forehand shot, more of a line-drive topspin type of shot.

 

[habib]

What I mean is, if you are not getting the pace on the ball that you should, it is usually too much brushing or wiping up the back of the ball.

Ah, yes, that I understand and, in fact, is probably the biggest single improvement in both my control and power between the March and April videos. I used to be, as you pointed out in the old thread, purely wiping my forehand. Just a quick, wristy across the body windshield wiper forehand with a minimal amount of drive. On a good day, I could hit the ball with decent pace, but it would almost invariably land around the service line - think a typical Federer shot but without the massive power and spin, ie: a death sentence.

Then, going on advice from these forums, I started focusing on hitting through the ball, less exaggerated brushing-up motion, more extension through the ball, an elbow-away-from-the-body-and-pointing-out follow through, and way more hip and leg involvement. And it has paid off a lot - I could demolish my old forehand with my new one.

But it still has a long ways to go. I'm going to try to get some actual court time this weekend, see how things work out in an actual tennis setting. Will report and potentially provide video for dissection.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I think I know what you are getting at. You are suggesting that he model the modern forehand shot, more of a line-drive topspin type of shot.

Sort of. I am suggesting that he extend through the ball about a foot more and have less of a steep upward path. A player should concentrate on allowing the swing path to put the spin on the ball and drive through the ball as if he is hitting four balls in a row.

 

[habib]

Update:

My new backhand is smokin'. I mean - wow! Way more control, consistency, and power with the U-path takeback. I can really get my legs and hips into the shot. I nailed my hitting partner twice yesterday because she couldn't react fast enough even though the ball was coming right at her.

My forehand has also improved a little as I've steadied my hand in relation to my arm, and it's no longer such a loosy-goosy swing.

I'll have some videos up within a day or two.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Update:

My new backhand is smokin'. I mean - wow! Way more control, consistency, and power with the U-path takeback. I can really get my legs and hips into the shot. I nailed my hitting partner twice yesterday because she couldn't react fast enough even though the ball was coming right at her.

My forehand has also improved a little as I've steadied my hand in relation to my arm, and it's no longer such a loosy-goosy swing.

I'll have some videos up within a day or two.

Awesome. The U pattern, so simple, so amazingly simple. Do you now see it in nearly EVERY pros backswing??? It is like saying to yourself "geeez, it has been in front of me all the time". Looking forward to the videos. Careful now, we might have our first TW'er go pro.

 

[habib]

Careful now, we might have our first TW'er go pro.

Not with this knee and not with this serve

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Not with this knee and not with this serve

Serve? Did you give me some serve clips? What could possibly be wrong?

 

[habib]

Serve? Did you give me some serve clips? What could possibly be wrong?

No, I haven't uploaded any clips of myserve. As for what's wrong...well, everything. It's just atrocious. And I'm not being hard on myself, just realistic. Getting my groundstrokes and footwork has always been my number one priority, so I haven't really worked on my serve much. I used to have a very hard, flat serve, but it would go in about 10% of the time.

I've worked a *little* on improving it, but considering the fact that I'm not in a league (work and other time constraints) it just hasn't been a huge priority since I mainly just play friendly matches. Maybe some time this week I'll take some videos and post my embarassment of a point starter on here

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Maybe some time this week I'll take some videos and post my embarassment of a point starter on here

Okay!

 

[habib]

Something that just popped into my head: does the "bring the racquet back with a shoulder/hip turn" facet of the 1hbh takeback translate to the forehand. In other words, should your hips/shoulders take care of bringing the arm and racquet back, or should the arm move back with a little independence?