A New Teaching Method
Forehand: The Windshield Wiper

John Yandell

The so-called windshield wiper motion is a dynamic element in the pro forehand that allows players to create tremendous shot and spin variation. But it’s widely misunderstood. There is no one wiper. Instead the wiper is a fundamental element present to some degree in even conservative forehands—the rotation of the hand, arm, and racket as a unit from the shoulder joint. It can be mixed in varying amounts with the other key element in the forward swing—extension—one of the focuses of the previous article in this series.

What does this fundamental rotation look like? What are the variations? How do you incorporate it and should you and when? High speed video is the key to unlocking all these mysteries. Study this article and you will understand!