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Forehand Timing: Grigor Dimitrov
This incredible clip not only shows a high quality technical forehand hit by emerging star Grigor Dimitrov, it shows critical elements of timing that are often misunderstood or ignored by players at all levels, and even coaches.
Shot at 120 frames per second, this clip allows us to accurately measure time intervals by counting the individual frames. What that shows is that from the time of the opponent's return, Dimtrov (and this is true across the men's game) has only around one second to reach his forehand contact point.
That's fast- wouldn't you say-and interestingly even in club tennis the interval is still quite short--maybe 1.5 seconds on average or even less. So note how with his hands on his racket, he immediate starts to turn his body. The hands separate when the ball crosses to his side, and the left arm stretches across and points at the sideline at the moment the ball bounces on the court. That's awesome preparation.
It's sometimes argued that "early preparation" is a mistake because you have "so much time" after the bounce. That's crazy. Count it for yourself and see Grigor has only about 3/10s of a second. Try executing your stroke in that interval. Grigor's outward swing is a thing of beauty as well, but note well: start the preparation by turning as soon as your opponent hits--and stretch your left arm at the bounce!
And now your additional analysis and comments please!
This incredible clip not only shows a high quality technical forehand hit by emerging star Grigor Dimitrov, it shows critical elements of timing that are often misunderstood or ignored by players at all levels, and even coaches.
Shot at 120 frames per second, this clip allows us to accurately measure time intervals by counting the individual frames. What that shows is that from the time of the opponent's return, Dimtrov (and this is true across the men's game) has only around one second to reach his forehand contact point.
That's fast- wouldn't you say-and interestingly even in club tennis the interval is still quite short--maybe 1.5 seconds on average or even less. So note how with his hands on his racket, he immediate starts to turn his body. The hands separate when the ball crosses to his side, and the left arm stretches across and points at the sideline at the moment the ball bounces on the court. That's awesome preparation.
It's sometimes argued that "early preparation" is a mistake because you have "so much time" after the bounce. That's crazy. Count it for yourself and see Grigor has only about 3/10s of a second. Try executing your stroke in that interval. Grigor's outward swing is a thing of beauty as well, but note well: start the preparation by turning as soon as your opponent hits--and stretch your left arm at the bounce!
And now your additional analysis and comments please!
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