I got an email regarding the last Newsletter I sent out and the goal of today’s Newsletter is to simplify what was mentioned.
The students question was, isn’t the racquet slightly closed at contact in order to impart topspin? Simply put the answer is, NO. When hitting from the baseline you DO NOT want the racquet closed at the moment of contact, this will simply put the ball in the net. The racquet should be vertical (in the contact area) moving from low to high.
Why Do Players Think the Pros Racquet is Closed at Contact?
Do the pros roll the wrist? The answer is YES and NO. Yes, they roll the wrist after the contact area. And, no, they do not roll the wrist in the contact area. Let me explain.
In the above video as I demonstrate what Federer is doing in the contact area, here are some key points.
The racquet stays vertical in the contact area (that 1 – 1 1/2 foot contact zone). Notice that after contact the racquet STAYS vertical for another 6 – 9 inches, then and only then, does Federer let the wrist roll over, the ball is gone at this point, IT DOES NOT MATTER, that the wrist rolls over. The reason players think the wrist is rolling is because all they see, because it’s happening so fast, is what happens AFTER this 6 – 9 inch area. That’s why it appears the racquet is closed at contact, and why players think the wrist is rolling in the contact area. However, if you get a chance to see super slow motion of players like Federer, as I have, it’s clear to see what is REALLY happening. (I spent a week at Vic Braden’s Tennis College and learned a ton about the physics and laws of hitting a tennis ball). Fed’s racquet is clearly vertical at contact and stays vertical for that 6 -9 inch area before the wrist rolls.
If you’re having trouble with your forehand go to either of these DVDS for some concrete advice: Consistent Tennis Wins V Grooving Consistent Strokes
Consistent Tennis Wins I The Original
Consistent Tennis Wins V Grooving Consistent Strokes
In the Market for a New Racquet?
If you’re in the market for a new racquet, please browse the site, you cannot go wrong with any of the 3 Models we carry. Any questions on which racquet would suit your game please give me a call at 239-273-9204.
