Roger Federer has one of the best forehands in the game of tennis. Even though a loss to Rafael Nadal, Roger's forehand display in the 2008 Wimbledon final has to be one of the greatest in history.
The forehand drive is made up of one continuous swing of the racquet that, for the purpose of analysis, may be divided into three parts:
1. The part of the stroke behind the body, which influences the speed of the swing.
2. The segment immediately in front of the body which determines the direction and, in conjunction with weight shift from one foot to the other, the pace of the shot.
3. The follow through which is the portion beyond the body and determines spin, top or slice, imparted on the ball.
In considering tips for the beginner, drives really should be topped. The slice is a different stroke and will not be as penetrating.
Instructions for the drive down the line are different than that of a drive crosscourt. In general, for the down the line shot, the shoulders should be parallel to the sideline. The hitting plane for all ground strokes should be between the knees and shoulders. The most favorable plane is on a line with the waist.
Roger Federer excels at all strokes that can be hit with the forehand. His drives from all positions on the court are particularly lethal. We all may not be able to execute as well as Roger. With tennis lessons or tennis instructions and practice we may able amaze our buddies with our driving abilities.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Volley Basics and Tips
John McEnroe was probably the best volleyer the game has ever known. His lethal volleys destroyed many an opponent. A precise net attack is supposed to crush all defense. As such it must be regarded as a point-winning stroke at all times, no matter whether the shot is volley or smash.
Volleys come in two varieties - low and high. Low volleys are blocked. High volleys can be either hit or blocked. They should not be swung at. You do see the brave attempt the swinging volley. But as a tip, it is not recommended. There is no follow through on a low volley and very little on a high one.
Beware if you try to chop a volley. There is a chance to pop the ball up into the air. Slice volleys if you want to, or hit them flat, for both these shots are made at a very small angle to the flight-line of the ball, the racquet face traveling almost along its plane.
Low volleys should never be hit hard, and owing to the height of the net should usually be sharply angled, to allow distance for the rise. Any ball above the net may be hit hard. The volley should be crisp, snappy, and decisive, but it should stop as it meets the ball. The follow through should be very small. Most low volleys should be soft and short. Most high volleys require speed and length.
A volley known as a "stop" volley is very effective. McEnroe was very good with this shot. There is no force behind the shot. The racquet simply meets the oncoming ball and stops it. The ball rebounds and falls of its own weight. The shot has little bounce.
The drive or deep volley to the opponents open court is what every player strives to execute. Attack with your volleys. Never defend the ball when at the net. The only defensive volley is one at your feet as you come in. It is a mid-court shot. Volleys should win with placement more than speed, although speed may be used on a high volley. McEnroe never was shy about attacking when the situation called for it. He understood that volleying was a key to winning. You should too!
Volleys come in two varieties - low and high. Low volleys are blocked. High volleys can be either hit or blocked. They should not be swung at. You do see the brave attempt the swinging volley. But as a tip, it is not recommended. There is no follow through on a low volley and very little on a high one.
Beware if you try to chop a volley. There is a chance to pop the ball up into the air. Slice volleys if you want to, or hit them flat, for both these shots are made at a very small angle to the flight-line of the ball, the racquet face traveling almost along its plane.
Low volleys should never be hit hard, and owing to the height of the net should usually be sharply angled, to allow distance for the rise. Any ball above the net may be hit hard. The volley should be crisp, snappy, and decisive, but it should stop as it meets the ball. The follow through should be very small. Most low volleys should be soft and short. Most high volleys require speed and length.
A volley known as a "stop" volley is very effective. McEnroe was very good with this shot. There is no force behind the shot. The racquet simply meets the oncoming ball and stops it. The ball rebounds and falls of its own weight. The shot has little bounce.
The drive or deep volley to the opponents open court is what every player strives to execute. Attack with your volleys. Never defend the ball when at the net. The only defensive volley is one at your feet as you come in. It is a mid-court shot. Volleys should win with placement more than speed, although speed may be used on a high volley. McEnroe never was shy about attacking when the situation called for it. He understood that volleying was a key to winning. You should too!
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