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John,
No doubt Marat has a great two-handed backhand. Thank you for noting his grip on your first article on the two-handed backhand. He uses a very conservative grip structure for this shot. Some would argue, that it is his backhand, not his forehand that is the more dangerous shot. His opponents have a tendency to serve to the forehand and stay away from the backhand. Also, his forehand tends to break down quicker than his two-hander. My question to you is why? You've noted, I think, that Marat's forehand grip is similar to Agassi's: a mild semi-western. You've also noted that Marat is slower than some of the top players in establishing the hitting arm position on the forehand. Do you think his timing in reaching the hitting arm position is the problem? Would he have been better off with a more conservative grip structure, like that on his more devestating and more consistent backhand? I know we are speaking in hypotheticals here. But, you obviously are one of the best technical analysts around and you've done a lot of high-speed filming of Safin. It may seem ludicrous to critique the technique of such a great player, but there is precedent: Roddick's backhand grip, Pete not straightening his hitting elbow soon enough on the backhand, Mirnyi's toss, and possibly Federer's too sideways head position. I appreciate your time, thought, and effort. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Lukman
No doubt Marat has a great two-handed backhand. Thank you for noting his grip on your first article on the two-handed backhand. He uses a very conservative grip structure for this shot. Some would argue, that it is his backhand, not his forehand that is the more dangerous shot. His opponents have a tendency to serve to the forehand and stay away from the backhand. Also, his forehand tends to break down quicker than his two-hander. My question to you is why? You've noted, I think, that Marat's forehand grip is similar to Agassi's: a mild semi-western. You've also noted that Marat is slower than some of the top players in establishing the hitting arm position on the forehand. Do you think his timing in reaching the hitting arm position is the problem? Would he have been better off with a more conservative grip structure, like that on his more devestating and more consistent backhand? I know we are speaking in hypotheticals here. But, you obviously are one of the best technical analysts around and you've done a lot of high-speed filming of Safin. It may seem ludicrous to critique the technique of such a great player, but there is precedent: Roddick's backhand grip, Pete not straightening his hitting elbow soon enough on the backhand, Mirnyi's toss, and possibly Federer's too sideways head position. I appreciate your time, thought, and effort. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Lukman
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