Racket Head Speed

[jryle1]

Was just thinking about this the last 2 or 3 days? How critical is racket head speed in tennis? And how is it created exactly? It's clear you can't just go out and try and swing the racket as hard as you can, it has to be fast in the controlled environment of technique and proper timing. How is this achieved though?
The thing that amazes me is this:
Was watching a girl play in the National Indoors final here in Ireland and she plays college tennis in the states and fed cup for Ireland and I've seen her play loads but I'm always amazed at the effortless power of her forehand. Her forehand is ridiculously powerful but it looks so so effortless, the racket doesn't seem to be moving that fast at all. So, really how important is racket head speed in producing the power and spin of the pros and how can it be thought in such a way that it doesnt disrupt a sound technical foundation?
Discuss maybe?
Would it be worth doing an article on the importance of racket head speed and how it can be developed in a sound way and in tune with technique. I know there's been one or two articles on it but what do you guys think?

[gzhpcu]

In modern tennis, with modern tennis technology, racket head speed is very important in getting topspin. In the forehand, for example, you need to lay your wrist back, and come forward with your hips with the racket lagging behind. This "stretch-shorten" cycle creates a fast, whipping action of the racket. Watch Federer's forehand in slow motion.