The ATP Two Handed Backhand: The Forward Swing

What drives the mechanics of the forward swing in the ATP two-hander? In the last article we looked at the preparation in what I call the ATP style, or Type 3, two-handed backhand. We focused on the take back and then the creation of the dynamic slot. (Click Here.) Now let's turn to the forward swing mechanics, beginning with some history and important background. To do this let's revisit some key positions and actions at the initiation of the forward swing. Recall that at the end of the backswing the top arm elbow was positioned slightly to the hitting side of the body. Further, in the early forward swing that elbow was repositioned even further to the hitting side. This is the consequence of it straightening, whether than happens passively or actively. This position clears a direct path for that arm to accelerate throughout the torso rotation in the forward swing. This independent acceleration of the arms is one of the key attributes of the Type 3 swing. It enhances the ability to establish the dynamic slot. It also allows the top arm to be oriented well forward at contact. This contact further forward is a second key attribute of...