Building A World Class One Hander: The Forward Swing

[stotty]

On edge...slightly open.

Let's get your thoughts on Chris Lewitt's latest article on the one handed backhand: "Building A World Class One Hander: The Forward Swing"

I think it was Tony Trabert in the book Tennis Strokes & Strategies who said "The wrist on a backhand should be as firm as when carrying a suitcase" I guess that meant pretty firm.

I just wonder, why allow the racket face be open in the backswing phase...why not on edge? Since it's going have to end up on edge or slightly closed anyway. Just curious if there is anything to be gained by allowing students have their racket slightly open? When I shadow stroke both methods, I notice when keeping the racket on edge, the supporting arm naturally pulls the racket closer to the body during the backswing phase; having it slightly open pulls the racket slightly away from the body and has a more natural, relaxed feeling...though these factors change when I play with different grip structures.

I am curious about this because I take great pains to encourage students to keep their racket on edge (with no leeway). I usually manage to achieve this regardless of their grip; though I don't teach the more extreme grips as, working mostly with young children, I find extreme grips make them fall backwards on higher balls. Is the leeway you give on account of the different grips kids have...or just leeway because 10 degrees either way won't make any difference?

Until recently I always advocated a two-hander should always have the racket on edge throughout all phases of the swing. Then Rick Macci (on a video here on Tennisplayer) inferred having the racket face closed during the backswing phase is desirable. He didn't state why. John suggested it raised the rear elbow and created a greater flip. It seems technique is an ever moving target for coaches.

Interesting you encourage children to jump as they hit backhands. I am always fearful of encouraging this in case it kind of undoes much of my foregone work. I've always encouraged the leg drive but not to consciously jump. Maybe I will re-evaluate and give it a go. For coaches who have never taught jumping, it's feels a somewhat daring thing to encourage.

I bought The Tennis Technique Bible as a result of these Tennisplayer articles, and I'm working my way through it at the moment. I'm finding it a great book so far.

I most strongly recommend the book to anyone who hasn't read it.

[johnyandell]

Let's get your thoughts on Chris Lewitt's latest article on the one handed backhand: "Building A World Class One Hander: The Forward Swing"