Forehand Extension

[westcoast]

How to develop proper extension on a windshield-wiper forehand?

[jeffreycounts]

How to develop proper extension on a windshield-wiper forehand?

This is a great question. Check out John's article The Myth of the Wrap as well as Building the Modern Forehand for checkpoints:


Basically the upper arm should be parallel to the ground and in front of the body to realize maximum extension.

Also, it's very important that the racket goes forward through contact as well as upward for several inches before the shoulder and arm start to rotate. Unfortunately the wiper forehand can look like a player is just rolling over the ball, but frame by frame video shows the arm and racket going forward for several inches (sometimes a foot or more for) before the rotation (ie wiper).