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TennisOne Lessons 
Extreme Makeover: The Forehand David W. Smith, Senior Editor TennisOne Among the highly skilled players, the forehand topspin groundstroke offers the most diversity within the parameters of an acceptable foundation or technique. Unlike other shots in tennis, (where deviation from a recognized foundation seldom produces optimal, proficient results), the forehand topspin groundstroke has a great deal of “leeway.” However, this degree of variance must be understood within the context of elemental components of skilled topspin execution. Just because there is variety in this shot does not guarantee that players who use variations outside of the key component elements will be successful! However, when we identify the diversity—and recognize the key foundation within each diverse implementation — we can then move forward to understanding what we ourselves will want to accomplish with this shot. Evolutionary Versus Necessary Change Understand, once players develop the proper “foundation” for the forehand, they will almost always ‘evolve’ their stroke in some way, shape, or form. This explains the wide diversity mentioned above. However, there is another level of diversity we see among recreational and club players; one that is not based so much on evolution but on need. Players who learn a poor foundation (or develop habits that are detrimental to a solid foundation), create change out of necessity. That is, because of a particular flaw (or flaws), they tend to create solutions to hitting shots with form that doesn’t resemble that which we see “skilled” players use. In order to properly makeover any shot, an individual must recognize the inherent flaw in the stroke. This is important because ignorance of the flaw will limit any sustained improvement and the player will tend to revert back to using the patterns that they had previously gained comfort and familiarity with—even in the limited success of such use! Goals The goal of any developing player is to be able to hit more effective shots more consistently and to be able to defend against more effective shots hit by more skilled opponents. That means we need to be able to handle—and potentially hit more effectively—balls hit to us that are lower, harder, more severely angled, and have more spin and depth. To accomplish this, we must be able to replicate a swing pattern on command within the context of the desired direction, spin, speed, and aim.
Understand that when we play less advanced players, balls coming to us are going to be less challenging than those hit by more advanced players. This is one of the big reason players who learn rudimentary patterns (just so they can start “playing tennis” fast) can’t advanced beyond the lower level of the game! The typical introductory grips and swing patterns associated with what I would argue as “beginner” strokes fail miserably when the player wants to ‘transition’ from this form to more advanced form later. Thus, we have literally millions of players who suffer from such ingrained methods and are frustrated because they see many other players (newer to the game) move passed them. This is why players eventually recognize the need for an “Extreme Make-over.” With that in mind, within each flaw or swing problem, I will offer up suggestions to help resolve the problem. Problem: Changing the Plane The most common obstruction to developing control and more effective shot-making is the problem of changing the plane (or hitting surface) of the racquet within the contact zone. This problem can actually encompass several issues:
Solutions Now that we have identified the most common problems of the forehand topspin groundstroke (and provided tips to overcome them), we can create patterns to change these problems and be on a path to developing a more effective forehand. Remember, however, that the propensity for players to revert back to their old habits is extremely strong—especially in the heat of competition. This is the biggest obstacle to any stroke pattern change. If a player ever hopes to master any new stroke, the player must employ the pattern in every opportunity. If the player reverts back to an old, familiar pattern, even one time, the tendency for the player will be to do it again and again out of comfort and familiarity. For some reason, players who miss shots with the new stroke become easily frustrated and revert back to what they find more comfortable, even though they have been missing these same shot with the older pattern for years.
Grip There is a wide range of grips among skilled players, from eastern forehands to full western grips. Sometimes it can help create a change in a stroke by simply using a more extreme grip. Many players who roll the racquet use a weak eastern or even a continental grip. These grips create a far more open racquet face and tend to increase a player’s chance of rolling the racquet closed during the stroke. Tip: Starting over with a very neutral eastern forehand grip can help players learn to overcome habits they may have developed with more extreme grips. However, if you already are using an eastern forehand grip, sometimes it can help change a swing element by using a more extreme grip. Swing Path If a player uses a loop swing, they often lose consciousness of the racquet face within the swing. While a loop is a common element of many top-level players, I have seen where the loop can create problems when players are introduced to it too early in their development. A straight-back swing makes for an easier pattern for players to control the racquet within the contact phase of the stroke. While we like to think of the swing as a fluid, rhythmic stroke, if a player is struggling with a forehand, the need to breakdown the stroke into controllable components is paramount. Establishing a proper racquet position on the backswing, one that won’t deviate and makes it easy to create a forward path to the proper contact point is desirable. Tip: A straight-back swing makes for an easier pattern for players to control the racquet within the contact phase of the stroke. While we like to think of the swing as a fluid, rhythmic stroke, if a player is struggling with a forehand, the need to breakdown the stroke into controllable components is paramount. Establishing a proper racquet position on the backswing, one that won’t deviate and makes it easier to create a forward path to the proper contact point is desirable. Keep the Plane the Same This phrase, one of my favorites, describes the desired racquet face throughout the swing. With any grip, with any amount of spin, the racquet face must not deviate during the stroke, especially within the contact window, if the player hopes to define the stroke and create a regular, repeatable, and, most important, reliable swing path. Whether you are hitting a flat ball or one with tremendous spin, the hitting surface of the racquet, (the “Plane”), must maintain its integrity if the player ever hopes to hit more reliable and more effective shots.
Footwork The forehand can be hit with many footwork patterns correctly. However, there are certain points one must understand so-as to not hit with the right footwork pattern at the wrong time! There are open stances, neutral stances, closed stances, reverse pivot patterns, and recovery or “brake step” patterns that can all be used for particular situations. Open Stance: This is the choice among all highly advanced players when they have time to set up for the stance. The torque produced by an open stance, the coil and uncoil it provides, produces the maximum angular momentum for a rotational swing pattern which the forehand topspin should use. However, if a player is off balance or moving while swinging, the stance is nearly impossible to hit within the context of balance and recovery. The open stance is where a player “loads up” on the inside foot, (right foot for right-handed player), leaves the left foot open and generally parallel to the baseline, then coils up the upper body usually using the off-hand to help the upper body complete this “unit turn. The uncoiling and upward thrust off the loaded right leg produces significant power when used efficiently. Closed or Neutral Stance: This “old-school” stance is still used by all players, especially when they are on the run to their forehand side or stepping into the stroke. The use of the closed stance is accomplished when the player plants their left foot (for right-handed players), while making contact with the ball. The back toe usually will stay down for a moment during the contact phase to prevent over rotation at contact. On the run, this stance helps the player hit off the pivot (left) foot, and then recover with the right foot after the contact phase. Brake Step: Following any neutral or closed stance, the player will usually want to hold the back leg back during the contact phase (usually observed as a toe-drag or a back leg “kick back”), followed by this same leg swinging around to “brake” their sideways movement so the player can push back toward the middle of the court. This is very subtle and can be missed if not closely observed. Reverse Pivot: The reverse pivot is usually used on high bouncing forehands when a player sets up with an open stance. The move is to load the inside foot as described with the open stance, but the, as contact is initiated, the outside leg swings back. This actually works well for the forehand as the reverse pivot brings the hitting shoulder and arm forward while the off side of the body pivots back. It is still a fairly advanced footwork pattern. You will see many clay-court players use this move because of the typical higher bouncing balls they see when playing on slower surfaced clay courts. Conclusion As described, there are many ways to hit forehand groundstrokes. Based on the grip, the stance, the position of the ball, and the movements encountered, there can be several patterns which a player needs to recognize, develop and employ. Making over the forehand usually involves several key points, (those listed in this article, especially!), and requires clear understanding of the “why” as well as the “How.” I hope these points will be helpful to you as you work to develop your forehand into a weapon! Your comments are welcome. Let us know what you think about Dave Smith's article by emailing us here at TennisOne .
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