Brian Gordon: Developing an ATP Forehand: The Forward Swing

In the first article on the ATP Forehand, we looked at how to create the “dynamic slot,” the key technical element in the early forward swing that top players use to turbocharge their forehands.

Now in this second article let’s look at the rest of the forward swing. What happens between the creation of the dynamic slot and the contact point? The answer is surprising and may change your views when it comes to the hotly debated role of the wrist in the modern forehand.

First a brief review. The dynamic slot creates a turbocharging effect because it brings elements of the stretch-shorten cycle into play in the shoulder muscles, and to a less important extent, in forearm muscles as well. The use of stretch-shorten cycle elements causes a significant increase in the ability of the muscle to produce force.

(Click Here for Part 1 and a more detailed explanation of the stretch-shorten cycle and how it works.)

This is why the dynamic slot is instrumental in maximizing racquet velocity in the professional game. But it is a relatively simple technique that can be developed by players of all ages and levels.

It is important to note that, when done…