Analyzing Pro Strokes:
The Venus Williams Forehand

Rick Macci

Some fundamentals are the same in Venus' forehand, but it's important to understand the differences in her stroke depending on the ball

Before we can really analyze Venus's forehand, we have to address a myth that's common whenever we talk about the strokes of the pros. This is the idea that there is such a thing as 'the forehand'.

Sure, some fundamentals are the same from ball to ball. But there can be big differences depending on where the ball is on the court, how high it is, how fast it is coming, how much spin it has, etc.

Another point: let's not pretend that even the top players have perfect strokes. Sure Venus has a great forehand. But there is no doubt she could do some things better. So I'm not going to be shy about pointing out the things she does well and the things that could stand improvement.

So let's take a look at Venus's forehand in some of the most common situations, using these TennisONE digital video sequences: her forehand in the center of the court from the front and the rear, her inside out forehand, her running forehand, and also her short forehand.

Forehand Center Front View

Venus always looks alert and ready. Always! That's the way she was trained. Always be ready to move forward. Always be ready to attack and swarm. Look at this kid! Alive, flexed, eager and ready to attack and swarm.

Venus: always ready and a world class turn.

This is a mind set. This is an attitude. This is Venus Williams, live and in your face all day.

Notice the nice flex in the knees. She is ready to react and push off east or west, north or south.

Venus is like a boxer, moving in and out, adjusting up and back, looking to go to the ball. This is key, especially if you want to be a champion.

Venus recognizes a forehand and immediately, splits and starts to prepare or turn as a unit. Many players, even on tour, take the racquet back solo and don't coil the body as a whole. By using her left arm, Venus prepares as one piece.

The racquet is oh so ready. This is a world class turn. From this position when she accelerates the racquet, she maximizes her rotation into contact.

Working with Venus from the time she was 11, I stressed this thousands of times, because she was so raw and athletic. At that point she needed lots of solid technical help. The result was she developed great preparation early in her career. This one piece turn was crucial, as it set the foundation for developing world class control and power. Again, notice the left hand. She uses it to assure a complete turn. This is a great tip for players at all levels.

Venus's forehand is clean, precise, and authoritative.

Forehand Center Rear View

Venus is really loading up to accelerate and explode. I can see and I can feel it! When Venus was younger (ages 10-15) her forehand was shaky and wild. With time and confidence, it got a lot better. But most of all, she is not bashful and will pull the trigger. She plays to win and always looks to dictate points.

Venus has a long back swing, but most of the time, that is predicated by the height and speed of the ball and where it is going to land. When the ball is bouncing up into the strike zone, Venus feels she can really attack and go after it. If it were lower or wider, she would have to play it more carefully. The idea here is when there is an opportunity, take control, or your opponent will.

Venus hits through the ball, a clean top spin. What I mean is, she produces a little brush, but a flatter, straighter shot overall than many of the players in the game. This is how I teach. Cleaner strokes that are more precise and authoritative. Venus hits through the ball, with her open stance, and once again, is ready for the next shot.

Venus brings the racquet up the level for her killer high forehand.

Forehand Inside In

This is Venus Williams' killer shot. Shoulder high, you're gonna die!

At 6'2", her strike zone is longer than most. She gets more leverage and has more options to produce power. After the split, she turns as a unit and uses the left arm/hand to take the racquet back. These are great fundamentals.

Venus lines the racquet up to the level of the ball, so she can drive it really hard all the way through. This is the big difference in her preparation, compared to the first sequence in the center of the court. I love how she leans into the shot. She really wants the ball and wants to go forward. Attack, Attack, Attack!

This is Venus Williams. There is so much intensity and energy. She catapults off the ground like no other woman player, except maybe that other Williams' kid. Venus extends through the ball to the target and, as always, she is ready for the response!