Have a Question for Me?

[johnyandell]

Well a certain amount of racket speed is obviously present during the backswing. It's a great question though whether bigger is faster. Don't have the measurements on that one. I think that the shape and size is somewhat personal and so long as it stays within certain parameters players can do a lot of things successfully.

[ufopie]

So could a players racquet speed be influenced by the shape of his backswing because i have read an article on here stating that having a longer backswing can contribute to racquet speed but thats not always true in some cases ex. hewitt who has qute a big and long backswing but doesnt create no where near the same amount of pace as novak whos backswing is pretty similar so what really makes the difference

[johnyandell]

It's a good question. If you have a great racket drop, then maybe experiment with that.

But my own experience is that the elbow height is mostly a function of shoulder flexibility. The more you can rotate your upper arm back in the shoulder joint, the closer your upper arm is to parallel the top of the shoulder.

As for the forehand, if you pat the dog, yeah you are going to have to rotate your forearm to get the racket square, so maybe that does contribute to racket speed. BUT the bulk of the acceleration occurs after the bottom of the backswing. So getting things right there is much more important.

[ufopie]

no the second questions only relates to groundstrokes and as far as the elbow in the serve i just wanted to see if you could explain if the height of the elbow during the trophy position can play a role in increasing pace and spin on the ball

[johnyandell]

Uh, the second question relates to the serve as well? Low elbow position can be good or bad. Not sure exactly what you are asking. Would like to help. Can you take time to think it thru and try to be more clear?

[ufopie]

well i have 2 questions actually first i have heard while watching a junior us open match and martina naritivola, yes i spelled it wrong, noted that the players didnt get their elbows as low as the could or bent their elbows as much how does either one play a factor in the serve and the second question is do pro players rotate their forearms during the beginning of the forward swing to get the correct racquet position and create racquet speed as well thanks.

[johnyandell]

Great question. Think it depends on the player. If he or she is aware of a problem and wants to and is committed to grip change, fine. Although that particular one is tough. Otherwise I'd proceed as you describe, see what happens and evaluate from there.

[ralph]

Older Players and Continental Grips

John,
Recently I have been giving some some lessons to male players who are in their early 60's. They are experienced players who are about 3.0/3.5 hitters. They are interested in learning the modern forehand. They use contental grips. My approach has been to introduce the unit turn and load position. For the stances I try to see if an open stance has promise. I also experiment with different follow throughs. Should I try to change their grips early on or wait to see if these other aspects show promise? Thanks.

Ralph

[johnyandell]

Great question with no certain answer. It obviously is the speed and path of the racket head at contact--but that can be controlled by both the wiper and the more traditional brush up and over the shoulder or combinations of both.

With Djok's grip maybe he can get more spin with the brush than players with more conservative grips.

[jryle1]

Just looking at the recent Djokovic forehand articles, you mentioned I think that the finish doesn't relate to how much spin a player generates. Like Djokovic sometimes finishes over the shoulder but would produce as much spin as Roger finishing around the torso....is this true? So is it the amout of hand and arm rotation that determines the spin levels or is it the path of the racquet face or a bit of both?

[johnyandell]

Yes I would say talent is the governor of how high a player can eventually go--but all the others are abut equal and need to be in place for talent to determine.

[jryle1]

Unusual question, but I'm intrigued as to how you would rate the following elements of tennis success in terms of importance...

-Talent
-Technique
-Tactical
-Psychological
- Physical
-Hard Work

Is talent, THE most important element you must have to make it on tour before having the rest? I know it depends on what level the player is playing at. I'm just interested in these elements when watching Irish juniors play. An ok u16 guy went to Bolletieris for 9 months there, is only back and people believe he's actually disimproved. It's just interesting.

[johnyandell]

Sri,

Thanks I always appreciate hearing that. We are going to post high speed footage of the bhs of Djok and Rafa soon. Then we will have the data to do those analyses.

[srinivas]

nadal Back hand

Dear Mr John

Your analysis and teachings have been really great and honestly invaluable. We are looking forward to your analysis of Nadal's backhand when ever it is convenient to you

With best wishes

P Srinivas

[johnyandell]

That's my opinion. Can't see any real difference when I watch or in the video. If there is a shift it's very slight.