A New Teaching System: Forehand: Preparation Part 1

[klacr]

Love the talk about preparation. Much needed as it is often overlooked for more "shiny" factors like backswing and finish and contact point. Not that any of those things are not important, but tough to execute those perfectly if you don't prepare.

Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

I like the rain drops. You will not let mother nature stop you. Determined to get your message across. Great Work John.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[pvchen]

Great video article, as always.

I have a question about the hitting hand after the unit turn.

My understanding from the video is that, from the unit turn, with the shoulders turned about 30 degrees, the hands are going to separate with the non-hitting hand going to the side (and also up), eventually to extend toward the side fence and get the shoulders turned about 90 degrees.

What are your thoughts about the trajectory of the non-hitting hand from the unit turn position?

I've heard one tip for both hands to go out to the side together. But that seems a little awkward, kind of like your 'bad' example in the beginning where the hands don't seem to separate at all. Looking at the example pros, it looks to me as if Fed and Djokovic's hitting hands go pretty much straight back, and not much to the outside. But also, there's the thought that the hand doesn't want to go too far around, if you want to keep the racquet to the side and hit an "ATP" forehand.

So is it straight back, but not too far around, or is it just a matter of style and preference, like other elements of the backswing?

[johnyandell]

Well it's not just Oscar and the craziness (although he is crazy) is the idea of keeping the racket in front until the bounce. Actually better to get it back immediately than that.
It just continues to stun me with all the information about what really happens how common destructive advice is!

[bman]

Nice dig at Oscar

[nickw]

All very clear, and fully agree with the strong emphasis on this being so important, and also so achievable for all players to master.

It amazes me how many coaches still promote the bad ideas, even just this week I heard a high level coach talking about getting the racket back early on the forehand. Anyway, it's a separate debate to discuss why after 20yrs, this forehand prep isn't mainstream in the coaching industry, but it's right of you John, to highlight the point.

I like the mirror idea Stotty. As usual, I always encourage loads and loads of shadows to feel and develop that prep, but doing them with a reflection to look at has to increase the value. We have a couple of indoor studios at the centre, with mirrors for walls....perfect

[johnyandell]

Yes the mirror! And of course every player is looking at his favorite player!

[stotty]

Mirror, mirror on the wall who has the best prep of them all..

You needed an umbrella for shooting that clip!

Very good. Encapsulates everything really well. I am big on preparation as doubtless any Tennisplayer coach would be...

I have kids practice preparation in front of a mirror...or the reflection given by the clubhouse patio windows. It works a treat. They can watch their favourite player then emulate the same thing in the mirror. It's the one thing that a mirror really works best of all for...preparation.

[don_budge]

Preparation…preparation…preparation!!!

Would love to discuss my latest, "A New Teaching System: Forehand: Preparation Part 1"

Very, very interesting. Preparation…the tennis player's mantra.

[johnyandell]

Would love to discuss my latest, "A New Teaching System: Forehand: Preparation Part 1"