Age starting and arm position

[andrew]

Having come to the game late (previously a squash player) I have found the site invaluable in understanding the biomechanics of the various strokes. The one thing that I find really hard is the bent arm position on the forehand; mine is straighter. I thought it was just me, but on a recent holiday I played every day and my arm and shoulder got tired. I found that I was starting to swing with my elbow in to my side, using the hips more. I didn't hit the ball any harder, if anything softer, but is was easier. I just wondered whether these pro's, who all started at a very young age, found it the same thing, bearing in mind their young shoulders and arms. It could be they just ended up stuck with it, whereas an older player has greater strength can play "straighter"; if that is the case it one less thing I have to learn and I can get on with perfecting the more important things.

PS: The unit turn I learnt here has been the single biggest improvement tip I have ever had. All my coaches lambasted me to get the racket back early, but rather than helping you get your shoulders in position before starting the backswing, you end up trying to set your feet with this thing waving around behind you and your shoulders stay too open.

[johnyandell]

Thanks for writing and for the great feedback about the unit turn. Hopefully over time the concept will work it's way a little more widely thru the teaching community...

As for the hitting arm. Send in some video! It's very hard to tell from your description what exactly is going on. In general the "straightness" relates to the grip. Less extreme = more straight. But too straight = late contact--and possibly a tired arm. The purpose of the double bend is to take the stress off the arm and let the rotation due more. I'd check your grip pressure as well--just tight enough to keep the racket in your hand is ideal.

Go here to find out about sending the video:

http://www.tennisplayer.net/public/y..._overview.html