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Advanced Tennis:
Myth of the Backswing

by John Yandell

Still photos by J. Gregory Swendsen

Page 2

The Loop Backswing

But, could a loop backswing really be as bad as that? Isn’t it true that all the top players use some form of a loop? And shouldn’t we all try to copy the technique of the top pros?

The answer to the first question is yes. Most top pros definitely have a loop in their forehand motion. But let’s begin by actually looking at the nature of the loop in the professional game. Then we can address the second question about what to copy.


Agassi's motion from the completion of the turn to the top of the loop
The key questions to ask about the pro loop are: When does it begin? What shape does it take? And most importantly: Where does the loop deliver the hitting arm and racquet at the critical moment when it starts forward and upward to the ball?

If we examine players such as Andre Agassi, Tommy Haas or Pete Sampras, we will see they all begin their preparation with the unit turn and no significant motion in either arm. This turn precedes the loop backswing with the arm.

In Agassi’s case, as he starts the unit turn, his hands turn the racquet face slightly downward. But in relation to the rest of his body, it’s as if his arms had actually stayed in the ready position.  They stay in front of his torso at about waist level. <% ns_puts [nsv_get mkm_includes mkm_oldContentFooter_inc] %>