Shot Variations

In understanding the differences in the modern forehand, we’ve looked at the technical differences stemming from the grips. The final piece is to analyze how the players vary their swings for specific shot circumstances. Let’s take a look at what happens when top players are on the run, dealing with low balls, or varying spin and/or angle. Note in Pete’s “reverse” forehand how the hand and arm rotation seems to approach that of the extreme forehands. Running Forehands When Pete hits his running forehand, he turns his hand and forearm over significantly more than on his basic drive, finishing as far over or almost as far over as the extreme players.This is what Robert Lansdorp first identified as the “reverse forehand.” (Click here.) Compared to his basic forehand, Pete turns his hand and arm over something like another 90 degrees, with the top of his forearm now facing more toward the back fence. Undoubtedly this has to be one of the factors that made his running forehand such a great shot. In general, the players with the more extreme grips don’t usually have to “reverse” as much on the run-probably due to their natural ability to increase the hand rotation…