The Traditional Forehand: A Living Model

When we study the modern pro game we see players using an incredible range of advanced elements–extreme grips, windshield wiper finishes, radical torso rotation, heavy spin, fully open stances, and contact a foot in the air or higher. And that’s just the forehand.

Many club players are convinced that these are the models they should follow—or simply find satisfaction in copying their heroes regardless of the impact on their actual play.

The fact is that some players can be successful incorporating many of these elements. I have incorporated many of them into my game, and teach them as well.

But, based on my experience over the last two years, I believe that a simpler more classical approach can also be devastatingly effective. This approach is often as applicable or even more applicable to the games of many players as compared to the more radical elements in “modern” tennis.

Training and playing with my great friend Karsten Popp has driven this point home in spades. He has a very simple, classical technical game that produces amazing results.

What I want to do in these articles is describe his strokes and their technical components, starting this month with the forehand. In upcoming…