#4b – Topspin forehand (2/2)

Following my Forehand part-1 post, here is part-2 where we go into a lot more details on how to hit a “modern” forehand…

This first video explains quite well the difference between the “old” and the “new” forehand:

Now let’s get cracking! This first video talks about you through the 5 key steps of a topspin forehand:

• Step 0 – The grip – except he talks at first about the semi-western grip and really you should use the eastern forehand grip (which he recommends at the end) – refer to post#1 on the ”grip”
• Step 1 – The ready position with a high racquet head, holding the throat
• Step 2 – Turn the left shoulder in a unit turn
• Step 3 – The power back position, away from body 
• Step 4 – The turn initiation, with racket lag and racket but pointing forward
• Step 5 – Nice forward contact point with follow through with no slowing down

This next video goes into even more details on how to hit the “Federer forehand”. The coach is a bit serious but it is interesting the way he teaches his student and all the small elements he focuses on:

1. Racket back with elbow up and out
2. Elbow extension and tap the dog
3. The racket flip and follow through

To make the swing shorter and the racket speed higher and therefore deliver more consistently a shot that has more power and more top spin.

https://youtu.be/5MHugAF2DiQ

This next video explains how to generate more top spin when needed. Pay special attention to the first few seconds where you see people practicing with a tape band high above the net to make sure the top spin shots go high above it…

• Correct swing path
• Brushing from under the ball
• Racket speed through the ball
• Using your legs

Finally, this video is a coaching lesson to improve this woman’s forehand (that was already quite good I thought!). They show what to improve and give drills on how to practice the correct movements:

Hope you found this 2-part forehand video selection useful and join me for further shot specific videos soon.