Developing an ATP Forehand Part 2: The Forward Swing

[tennisplayer]

Hi bottle, I think I got away with only reading it twice is because I've spent a lot of time ruminating on these very same issues, and I've also read and understood Part 1. I agree, for a newbie or those not inclined to brood over tennis mechanics like some of us do, more than two readings may be necessary to get the gist of Brian's findings.

Also agree that "the flip" sounds like it's exactly the right way to describe the mechanics, although we are all used to the "mondo" by now...

[johnyandell]

I say let the frickin' TW people subscribe like everyone else if they want the world's best information.

[bottle]

I'll second that. Thanks tennisplayer.

[klacr]

I say let the frickin' TW people subscribe like everyone else if they want the world's best information.

AMEN!

[don_budge]

The effort...

I am going to read it. I am going to make the effort. Thanks bottle...for the words of encouragement. If you can do it...I can do it. Deep breathes don_budge. I've studied the headline and the titles of the sections. I looked at the pictures...and the videos. It's 2012. Come on baby...you can do it! Get psyched.

[BrianGordon]

Greetings all :

To those that found Part 2 interesting (and readable) I thank you for the nice sentiments.

I apologize to those who found it too painful to read. John and I went to lengths to avoid this and in general it is much less technical than I would prefer.

To begin to understand how the strokes work, one must look at the mechanical properties of the body - these properties are complicated and come with some techno jargon which is hard to avoid - again, we try our best.

As to the cause of hand motion in the other thread, I thought it was emphasized that this motion results from integrated motions of the legs, torso, and shoulder joint. Both John and Don Budge explained this nicely.

Stroke - in the backswing, Sam accomplishes the descending portion of the hand path in the loop by at least partially dropping the entire arm at the shoulder joint (rather than only extending the elbow). This decreases joint range of motion to establish the pull which has implications to the early hand force in the forward swing and complicates type 3 arm positioning at contact.

Further, she allows the head of the racquet to drop below the hand prior to the pull - this causes the vertical component of her "flip" to be up rather than down - still, it is essentially type 3 as was Henin's.

Finally, I continue to try to connect the dots to understand the strokes - as pieces become more clear I'm always amazed about the adaptability, complexity, and elegance of the human neuromuscular-skeletal system.

[bottle]

Further, she allows the head of the racquet to drop below the hand prior to the pull - this causes the vertical component of her "flip" to be up rather than down - still, it is essentially type 3 as was Henin's.

Seems like a new idea to me and one I immediately want to try. Or was it a criticism? Don't think so. Want to try it in any case.

[BrianGordon]

Further, she allows the head of the racquet to drop below the hand prior to the pull - this causes the vertical component of her "flip" to be up rather than down - still, it is essentially type 3 as was Henin's.

Seems like a new idea to me and one I immediately want to try. Or was it a criticism? Don't think so. Want to try it in any case.

FLAW !!!!! CRITICISM !!!!

[GeoffWilliams]

Someone described it as "techno babble speak", although I would not say it was too hard to read, just not smooth or laymanish.

[bottle]

Down with the common man. Look at what he likes to read. FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY! And he gets too much admiration in modern tennis. Unless he can dig verbal exchanges like the one just above here and build on them, in which case he is uncommon.

[GeoffWilliams]

There are no common men in the ATP. Genetic freaks. Reactions of a Jedi knight. Strategies of Hannibal vs. Napoleon. Speeds never before seen on all shots. Rpms into the stratosphere.

[richberman]

2nd forehand article

Well done Brian and team!
I have to admit it took three detailed readings to fully appreciate this wonderful article.
Thanks so much for your contribution to helping me and so many others 'fully' understand the mechanics of our sport.
Rich

[stotty]

Well done BG

No problem with reading the articles at my end. Takes slightly more concentration than reading a novel perhaps...but well worth it. The articles are well written and useful to any coach who wants to improve his understanding of the modern forehand.

I always enjoy Brian's work and look forward to reading his stuff on tennisplayer.

Good work, Brian. Keep it coming!

[tennis_chiro]

Adding my two cents...

Just wanted to chime in that while it may require concentration and focus to navigate and understand the concepts elucidated in the articles, they are great articles and should be required reading for all teaching pros claiming to understand the modern game.

Looking forward to more, Brian.

don

[julian1]

The length of SS cycle

Dr Gordon.

The blog of blog.tennisspeed.com entitled
"A Roadmap to a Hall-of-Fame Forehand - Part 6: Could Hall-of-Fame Performance be Determined by a Single Movement? (Sunday, May 20, 2012)"
provides the number 50 milliseconds for the length of SS cycle
The exact quote is (a bit weaker)
"Muscle contraction MUST OCCUR within 50 milliseconds"
Do you think the number 50 milliseconds is correct?