Have a Question for Me?

[johnyandell]

Speed of the racket and path of the racket is the simple answer as to what creates spin. It's an interesting question what percentage the wiper might add on top of the brush. 20% more?
100% more when you wish?

I think in a way though it's an irrelevant question. If you are coming through the ball as fast as you are capable with a vertical finish, you get a certain spin level. Then if you add wiper and increase wiper speed you get certain additional amounts. Within your abilities you will then be generating the range of possible spins.

[jryle1]

Thanks very much John. That clears things up a lot. I have indeed read that article before and I most certainly will read it again. It's about the fact that the wrap of any type is an effect of the cause of racket acceleration and deceleration is it? But that a kind of universal, well, not universal but a good checkpoint for the actual finish is hand at left eye level with good spacing. For a junior player anyway this would be a good checkpoint I guess...especially 8-9 year olds. They are definitely focusing on the wrap, with your permission I will try to explain this to the two and just use the article as an example to show them once off. If that's ok with you?

Another question that always bugs me and I know I've asked it before but I want to add to it.

Spin on the modern forehand; What generates topspin? Is it a mixture of the racket face combined with hand and arm rotation? Is it primarily hand and arm rotation or is it the path of the racket? I know we can't really tell my the finish anymore seeing as Djokovic is hitting as much spin and Federer with a classic finish. My further addition is - Is there any way of proving which? Any technology Brian Gordon may use which might help to establish on a qualitative note what might be going on?

Thanks again, I'm very eager to learn as you can tell!

Jono.

[johnyandell]

Well, depends on what you mean by finish. I think the butt at the net is a mistake because that is the wrap phase which happens naturally. You have to distinguish between how far outward and upward the racket travels, and what happens afterwards. You might want to check out the Myth of the Wrap article in the advanced tennis section.

[jryle1]

Hi John,

In your opinion, how important is the finish for the forehand?

Coaches in my club are really emphasising the position of the finish. For example, when they have kids shadowing, they're making sure that they finish with the butt of the racket facing the net, the strings parallel to the side fence and the throat roughly beside the left ear(for a right hander) and elbow up.
With the more talented players they sometimes have the player finishing lower down, the purpose of which is to "develop spin".

How important is it where they finish in your opinion? I think I already know the answer following that septemeber article and readings of other opinions but its just an interesting discussion.

[johnyandell]

It's not written and probably won't show up til next year. Just going to give my own perspective on how to start and how to approach all the issues. But have a few forehand articles to publish first,

[westcoast777]

The new series mentioned in 'What is "True" in Tennis' is interesting,

"I will soon be starting a new series on building the forehand, sharing what I have learned over the last decade to help you develop your own flexible, experimental approach to finding the ideal technical combinations for yourself."

Have you thought out or written the series already? If so, might you provide a little more detail or hint at what is to come? Will we see on court drills or 'tests' for preference?

Looking forward to the series.

[johnyandell]

Yep. Did. Swamped right now but we'll get it up.

[llll]

john check your pm

[johnyandell]

Thanks guys for the expertise!

[GeoffWilliams]

That's a 16 x 19 with a 69 ra, very stiff and 11.8 oz: t315 vs. the t320, which is 16 x 19 11.9 oz, 66 ra, a little less stiff, and little heavier at 337g strung.

[don_budge]

Tipsarevic...

Thanks for answers! Well, I try to hit hard, but how hard can it be for a relative beginner (3+ years of playing)

Anyways, isn't Donald Young using racket with very open string pattern?
I think as of 2011 he is using EXO3 Tour 100 16x18, which should be more suited for more spin oriented game, and not flatter hitting?

You sound like a candidate for the Technifibre TFight 320...Janko Tipsarevic style. I used it before switching to the TFlash 315 which has more touch, I believe. I thought it was a great stick. My top three juniors use it and seem very satisfied. Since Janko uses it maybe you can get in your neck of the woods.

As a matter of fact I have three sitting in my office...one new, two slightly used but otherwise like new. Send me a mail if your interested.

[GeoffWilliams]

He is a baseliner, and he uses tour bite. Part of the problem with his game is too much spin and not enough aggressive play, which is why he floundered until picking up his flatter hitting. You can hit flat with an open pattern also. It's just more difficult to do so.

[nikae]

Thanks for answers! Well, I try to hit hard, but how hard can it be for a relative beginner (3+ years of playing)

Anyways, isn't Donald Young using racket with very open string pattern?
I think as of 2011 he is using EXO3 Tour 100 16x18, which should be more suited for more spin oriented game, and not flatter hitting?

[GeoffWilliams]

It's great for people who don't hit hard! The balls don't go as far out that way. Check out the links to the strings.

[johnyandell]

geoff,

great thanks--except at my power levels sensation feels great til it breaks. Hopefully Nikae hits the ball a little harder...

john