What is the Modern Forehand?

The modern forehand(s): technical solutions tailored to each tactical problem.

It’s a fair question: is there such a thing as THE modern forehand? If there is, then how do we explain all the variations in the swings and footwork of the top players? Do they simply reflect different "hitting styles"? The answer is no. The variations in the modern forehand are not a question of hitting styles. They are a reflection of the specific tactical shots the players are trying to hit. In other words, the pros have developed specific technical solutions to address the wide range of tactical problems they encounter in the modern game today.

Each technical solution can require a different footwork pattern, impact height, a different preparation and followthrough, and variable racket head speeds. We see all these differences reflected in the path of the racquet, especially in the followthrough. This is why the forehands can look so different, and observing pro tennis can create confusion. However, once you understand how the players are responding to a given ball, the technical differences in the motions become clear. You can learn to see the technical solutions they find to overcome tactical challenges.

Three of the seven topspin…