Tennis Tips - The Forehand
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I was about to take up that pseudo sport, "golf," when I went to see Vic Braden and he straightened me out.
So here are some forehand tips that will help your game.
More importantly, they'll keep you from getting a "beer belly" from riding around in a golf cart instead of exercising.
Remember - tennis is a sport, an athletic activity!
Golf is just a game - like billiards.
So here are some forehand tips that will help your game.
More importantly, they'll keep you from getting a "beer belly" from riding around in a golf cart instead of exercising.
Remember - tennis is a sport, an athletic activity!
Golf is just a game - like billiards.
Ace has always had a great backhand, but, surprisingly, my forehand was my weakest shot.
It didn't take too long for my opponents to figure that out.
Pretty soon, everyone was serving and hitting to my forehand.
They could see that the best shot I had was a "push" that I tried to guide past them.
It didn't take too long for my opponents to figure that out.
Pretty soon, everyone was serving and hitting to my forehand.
They could see that the best shot I had was a "push" that I tried to guide past them.
Symptom: "Gee, Ace, how do you get such great, powerful topspin forehands? Mine either go into the net or hit the backstop.
Tip 1: Well, if you want to make the ball spin down (topspin) you have to swing "up!"
This is contrary to what common sense would dictate.
First, make sure you have the right grip (Eastern, Western, or Semi-Western Forehand grip).
Now, take your racket back with a little loop, cradling the throat with your off hand.
The bottom of the loop should be directly behind you and waist high or lower.
(The racket face at this point should be parallel to the court.)
Continue the loop forward and up, stepping forward with your front foot in the direction of where you want to hit.
Your racket face should be perpendicular to the court (or slightly closed) at a point just behind your front foot.
Finally, put your non-racket arm out in front of you as a counterbalance.
Once you get the hang of it, try opening your stance a little and see if you like that better.
You should be blasting that forehand all over the court now!
Tip 1: Well, if you want to make the ball spin down (topspin) you have to swing "up!"
This is contrary to what common sense would dictate.
First, make sure you have the right grip (Eastern, Western, or Semi-Western Forehand grip).
Now, take your racket back with a little loop, cradling the throat with your off hand.
The bottom of the loop should be directly behind you and waist high or lower.
(The racket face at this point should be parallel to the court.)
Continue the loop forward and up, stepping forward with your front foot in the direction of where you want to hit.
Your racket face should be perpendicular to the court (or slightly closed) at a point just behind your front foot.
Finally, put your non-racket arm out in front of you as a counterbalance.
Once you get the hang of it, try opening your stance a little and see if you like that better.
You should be blasting that forehand all over the court now!
"I hate to lose more than I like to win."
- Jimmy Connors
- Jimmy Connors