Have a Question for Me?

[airforce1]

is it accepted in tennis to use the term angular momentum anytime there is curve in the racket path?

My understanding of the science definition of angular Mo is that it must be working in a circle as from a radius sweeping extended from a fixed center (like a tire swing). Also that otherwise, the momentum would be a form of linear momentum, even though the path may not be straight.

My point here is that if my understanding of these terms is near correct, then we never have true angular momentum in a swing of the stick. It would all be a form of linear momentum, although on some type of curved path. So at what point in "tennis terms" do we decide to refer to it as angular momentum?

Maybe Julian can help with the definitions from each perspective, given his tennis and scientific backgrounds?

[oliensis]

In the optimal scenario like in this archived stroke, Federer does manage to get his weight moving into the shot:

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/strokearchive/pro_men/rogerfederer/rogerfederer_forehand/rogerfederer_fh_inside_out/rogerfederer_fh_inside_out.html?FedererFHInsideOutFront3.mov

However, when the incoming shot is more forcing, then he doesn't always manage to get his weight moving forward. But what he does do is manage to convert angular momentum (from the unit turn and the take-back of the racket) into linear momentum, and transfers it to the ball via the speed of the racket head. Like in this one: http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/...eOutFront2.mov

I think the former is preferable when possible, but it's not always possible. The ability to play offensively from a sub-optimal position is partially a function of being able to hit out when optimal weight transfer is not possible...but when only angular momentum is converted to linear momentum.

[airforce1]

John, I hear a tennis pro friend of mine say the reason why Fed hits so big on the forehand is because he's moving into the forehand (towards the net) when he hits it. However, it also appears that he hits some huge inside-out forehands moving literally sideways along the baseline towards the alley. He is certainly not moving "foreward" towards the net in these cases, yet still hits huge. What is creating the huge shot in those cases? Is it the rotational force? Any thoughts?

It's just so close to a full on slap shot that stepping would just create too much power to control.

[johnyandell]

Because he is Roger Federer and because he has that complex combination of technical elements--classic/extreme that I talk about in the Advanced Tennis section articles on his forehand.

[uspta3577514567]

John...question on Fed forehand

John, I hear a tennis pro friend of mine say the reason why Fed hits so big on the forehand is because he's moving into the forehand (towards the net) when he hits it. However, it also appears that he hits some huge inside-out forehands moving literally sideways along the baseline towards the alley. He is certainly not moving "foreward" towards the net in these cases, yet still hits huge. What is creating the huge shot in those cases? Is it the rotational force? Any thoughts?

[airforce1]

1. How to hit a fast and powerful forehand without making the ball go over the baseline? (I am expecting some tennis physics here)
Will stringing the racquet in higher tensions help?

2. What is the best way to start learning serve? I find it hard and frustrating to start by imitating the full motions of the pros. Is there any simple version of serve that I can start with? Hongchao

For your goals I would work on driving topspin, with the emphasis on the TS first. My idea on the FH is to pick a height over the net ( I call a window) that will insure great consistency for not putting my shots into the net. I pair the objectives of blasting the ball thru that window, but with as much topspin (to get the ball down as quick as possible) as I can get without sacrificing most of my power.

#2- serving sock drill. put 2 tennis balls in a sock and hold the top of the sock as the handle to do a serving motion. You practice the serving motion with trying to keep the sock extended, with no slack. If you get a slack or floppy during the motion, it shows you where you are losing the motion in several respects.

[vespasianvs]

Serve

Chris Lewit rocks.

Thanks, John.

[johnyandell]

There are dozens of forehand articles on the site. It's less a matter of physics than swing technique. There is no point in recapitulating the site here in a post.
Scott Murphys' for example:

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/classiclessons/scott_murphy/scott_murphy_forehand_preparation_images/scott_murphy_forehand_preparation.html

Or Welby's:

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/teaching_systems/welby_vanhorn/true_master_forehand_balance_checkpoints/true_master_forehand_balance_checkpoints.html

When it comes to your stroke, though unless we have video of your forehand it's impossible to tell what the problem might be. So you can post a clip.

Sometimes tighter strings help with control, but again that can be more or less irrelevant if you have basic technical flaws.

On the serve I would say the same thing. Look at some of the basic articles, for example, Scott Murphy's article in classic lessons or Welby's in teaching systems. The racket drop position in Chris Lewit's kick serve articles can be a great position to work from for all serves.

[vespasianvs]

Forehand and Serve

Hi, everybody,

I have two questions from my recent games,

1. How to hit a fast and powerful forehand without making the ball go over the baseline? (I am expecting some tennis physics here)
Will stringing the racquet in higher tensions help?

2. What is the best way to start learning serve? I find it hard and frustrating to start by imitating the full motions of the pros. Is there any simple version of serve that I can start with?

Thanks

Hongchao

[johnyandell]

Ditto and also the work in the same section by Paul Roetert.

[oliensis]

See Pat Etcheberry's upper body training at:

http://www.tennisplayer.net/members/physicaltraining/pat%20_etcheberry/Etcheberry_PSCT_Weighs_Upper_Body_1_images/Etcheberry_PSCT_Weighs_Upper_Body_1.html

[vespasianvs]

Physical Training and Backhand

Hi, John and Airforce1,

I am planning to do some upper body training in the gym to help me hit better and more powerful single-handed backhand and avoid injuries because of it.( I am using 1/1 grip on backhand.)

Please give some advice on this physical training.

Thanks

Hongchao

[vespasianvs]

Chalk

Does the chalk (Magnesium Carbonate) which used in gynastics and climbing help preventing blister?

[airforce1]

If the blister is open, you can put white athletic tape right on the cleaned area as a second skin. There used to be some reaction from the tape and affected area that caused it to heal quicker. Not sure if the same chemicals are used but we have continued success with this.

Need a better overwrap like wilson Pro Overgrip or something, along with hitting the ball cleanly. Mishits causes most blisters.

Glad you liked your string tension. Looks like you got it right or close on first try!

[vespasianvs]

Blister

I am suffering from a huge blister on the heel pad of my right hand -- I am using eastern gripped single backhand.

How to treat it?

And how to avoid it?

PS: I got my restrung racquet. It feels great.

Thanks