Craziest forehand I’ve EVER seen (big mistake)

Summary

The video script discusses a common issue in tennis where players struggle with a weak forehand despite their efforts. It introduces a case of a 3.5 level player experiencing this problem and explains how improper body mechanics, specifically an early lead with the elbow, disrupts the kinetic chain and results in a less powerful shot. The coach demonstrates various drills, emphasizing the importance of body positioning and the sequence of body movements in generating a more efficient and powerful forehand. By following these drills, players can improve their technique and achieve greater success in their game.

Takeaways

• 🎾 The importance of proper contact position in tennis is crucial for a powerful forehand.
• 🏆 A 3.5 level player often has a weak forehand due to incorrect body positioning at contact.
• 🤔 A player's forehand weakness can be misleading if their body mechanics are off.
• 👀 Observing a player's hips and shoulders at the point of contact can indicate their skill level.
• 📈 High-level players like 4.5 level and professionals lead with their bodies, not just their arms.
• 🔄 The kinetic chain in tennis swings should start with larger body parts leading the way.
• 🚫 Small body parts taking the lead, like the elbow, can result in a weak kinetic chain and less power.
• 📊 The coach used video analysis to diagnose and correct the student's forehand technique.
• 💡 Drills involving pulling with the body instead of pushing can lead to improved forehand power.
• 🌟 Shadow swings and underhand tosses help practice body leading without the pressure of real balls.
• ✨ After practicing, the student showed significant improvement in smoothness and efficiency of her forehand.

Q & A

What was the main issue with the student's tennis forehand technique?

The main issue with the student's forehand technique was her contact position. Instead of using her body to generate power, she was initiating the swing with her elbow, which led to a weak kinetic chain and made it difficult to hit powerful shots.

What is the significance of the 3.5 level player's contact position?

The 3.5 level player's contact position is significant because it represents a common issue among players at that skill level. Typically, their hips and shoulders are not facing forward at the point of contact, which indicates a lack of proper body activation and timing.

How does the contact position of a 4.5 level player differ from a 3.5 level player?

A 4.5 level player's contact position shows a more advanced technique. The body, particularly the shoulders and chest, are facing forwards, and the hips have pivoted and turned to face forwards by the time the ball touches the racket, indicating better body activation and timing.

What are the key elements of a professional player's forehand technique?

Professional players lead with their body, ensuring that their shoulders and hips are facing forwards at the point of contact. This allows for efficient energy transfer and powerful shots with less effort.

Why is it important for the body to lead the forehand swing?

It is important for the body to lead the forehand swing because it allows for the generation of racket head speed and energy transfer with minimal effort. This efficient use of the body's kinetic chain results in powerful shots and reduces strain on the arm and hand.

What was the first drill the coach used to help the student correct her forehand?

The first drill involved the coach holding onto the student's racket and waiting for her to initiate a pull using her shoulders and hips. This helped the student feel the correct initiation of the swing with her body leading the movement.

How does the shadow swing drill help in improving the forehand technique?

The shadow swing drill helps by allowing the player to practice the correct body movements without the pressure of hitting the ball. It reinforces the idea of pulling with the body and leading with the larger muscle groups, which translates to smoother and more efficient strokes.

What was the effect of the drills on the student's forehand after 45 minutes?

After 45 minutes of practicing the drills, the student's forehand showed significant improvement. Her body was leading the way, her arm followed passively, and she was hitting the balls with more force and power, but with dramatically less effort and better overall technique.

What advice does the coach give for players looking to improve their forehand?

The coach advises players to focus on leading with their body and keeping their arm passive during the forehand swing. By following the drills and focusing on the correct body movements, players can improve their technique and efficiency, leading to more powerful shots with less effort.

How does the coach ensure the student is on the right track during the drills?

The coach uses video analysis to check the student's progress and ensure she is not falling back into old habits. This helps to provide visual feedback and confirmation that the body is leading the swing as it should.

What is the role of the kinetic chain in a forehand swing?

The kinetic chain in a forehand swing is the sequence of body movements that transfer energy from the ground up through the body and into the racket. A strong and unbroken kinetic chain allows for efficient energy transfer, resulting in powerful shots.