Analyzing Pro Strokes: The Venus Williams Forehand

Some fundamentals are the same in Venus’ forehand, but it’s important to understand the differences in her stroke depending on the ball

Before we can really analyze Venus’s forehand, we have to address a myth that’s common whenever we talk about
the strokes of the pros. This is the idea that there is such a thing as ‘the forehand’.

Sure, some fundamentals are the same from ball to ball. But there can be big differences depending on where
the ball is on the court, how high it is, how fast it is coming, how much spin it has, etc.

Another point: let’s not pretend that even the top players have perfect strokes. Sure Venus has a great
forehand. But there is no doubt she could do some things better. So I’m not going to be shy about pointing out the things she
does well and the things that could stand improvement.

So let’s take a look at Venus’s forehand in some of the most common situations, using these TennisONE digital
video sequences: her forehand in the center of the court from the front and the rear, her inside out forehand, her running
forehand, and also her short forehand.

Forehand Center…