Comments on: Trying to Pick the Right Forehand Grip? Let Roger Federer Help You!

By: jk

jk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:24:25 +0000

This is the most definitive analysis I've seen. Very helpful! Great job, Will.

By: Will Hamilton

Will Hamilton — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:50:24 +0000

Hey Vizzy. Thanks. Ideally you can get good extension on your WW, allowing you to drive the ball AND hit with spin. That’s the forehand I would suggest you develop.

In the meantime, some sort of hybrid would probably work well. The answer to your question is very situational — sometimes a flat ball in appropriate; other times more spin is necessary.

By: a Vizzy

a Vizzy — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:47:21 +0000

Will,
I have an eastern grip (as I mentioned above)….

If I am inside the base line and want to finsh a point with a hard forehand (well inside the court), should I be using the WW forehand or should I be extending my follow through well above my shoulder(getting the top spin that way)?

I guess my question boils down to…there seems (i think) to be two different ways to get top spin, WW or exagerated finish well above your shoulder. When does someone like me use the two…Sorry for such a lengthy question and btw, great site.

By: greyadmin

greyadmin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:44:47 +0000

А что вы тут панику подняли? Я вот полностью согласен с автором! Кстати с наступившем Вас!

By: Will Hamilton

Will Hamilton — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:53:55 +0000

Hi Vizzy. You can hit a Windshield-Wiper Forehand just fine using an eastern grip. Our progressions will walk you through how to develop the shot.

Federer pronates when he hits a forehand — his wrist and forearm are turning over together, as one piece. He’s not “using his wrist” in the classic tennis-speak sense of the term.

Let me know how your WW progresses (make sure you have the forehand fundamentals down first!)

Cheers,

Will

By: A vizzy

A vizzy — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:45:25 +0000

Hi Will,
I really like the analyis. It seems that Fed’s swing looks modern because of the amount of wrist he uses and not his grip.

I had a question.. I use a pretty orthodix eastern grip. Are you planning on doing a “how to” on a windshield wiper forehand for a grip like mine?

Thx.

By: k chaitanya kumar

k chaitanya kumar — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:45:58 +0000

for a 21 year old…
who will start playing tennis for the first time…
what racket would you suggest……
would you please mention any links where i can get , information in detail about the racket type depending on the cost…

By: Mauri

Mauri — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:28:01 +0000

I use a western forehand grip the ads are that it is easy to open the court you can create more angles but the point last longer because my ball isnt fast enough to do a winner most of the time y hit 3 or 4 balls to the corners before a winner what can i do to hit more through the ball with a wester grip …?

PD: Come on DELPO you did it again against ROGER VAMOOOOOS ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡

By: Mikee

Mikee — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:55:43 +0000

I have always used the Eastern forehand grip and swear by it. The radical Western (with palm under racquet handle) sure is popular with the pros (both men and women) and with lots of advanced juniors. The Eastern grip really allows you to hit the ball straight ahead—driving the ball through opponent’s court—especially if you hit it deep. You can also vary the amount of Eastern low to high topspin…added to the stroke if desired. The Western grip imparts lots of topspin–lifting the ball with good margin for error over the net BUT those balls often land short—around opponent’s serviceline and then bounce high. They can be attacked. Just watch Nadal’s topspin forehands–they can be attacked if his timing is a little off. That happened today (Wed. 11-25-09) when Davydenko beat him at ATP World Tour Finals in London (Round Robin). I have also noticed that the radical topspiners play further behind the baseline. The flatter strokers play on the baseline and can drive the topspinners back and wide. The greatest at this ever was Jimmy Connors with his flat shots. Mikee.

By: Will Hamilton

Will Hamilton — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:45:53 +0000

Hi Rutger,

Every pro extends their arm across their body and more-or-less in line w/the baseline. That helps them get a full shoulder turn, stay balanced, and judge the oncoming tennis ball. In other words, it facilitates good preparation.

Pros don’t point at the ball when they swing. However, it may appear like they do because of how the non-hitting arm moves to the left (assuming the player is right handed) during the forward swing.

“Point at the ball” used to be a pretty common piece of advice and can serve a purpose when someone is just starting out. However, it’s not a “technically correct” practice at high levels of play and can lead to errors like not getting fully sideways during the preparation or opening up your shoulders too soon during the forward swing.

Hope that helps!

Will