The Myth of Lag and Snap

Is “lag and snap” a cause, a consequence, an illusion–or a delusion?

In assessing the validity of “expert” explanations of tennis strokes, there are four factors to consider. There is causation. There is consequence. There is illusion. Then there is delusion.

You can see all four mixed together in the terrible instructional information that continues to flood You Tube. If you understand the amount of bad thinking in tennis, you’ll question the You Tube experts who want to tell you how to grow tomatoes, fix your sink, or whatever.

In tennis the latest terrible example is the “lag and snap” forehand. The claim is that “lag and snap” is the magic you need for developing a pro level forehand.

The problem is lag and snap doesn’t really happen in the way the so-called experts claim. And focusing on it prevents players from developing the basic components that really could give them a technically superior forehand.

So-Called

So what is this so-called “lag and snap”? The idea that top players intentionally “lag” or delay the racket head behind the hand and the arm at the start of the forward swing. Then they suddenly “snap” the wrist and the racket head through…