I'm 3.5+ with a lacking forehand as I've never been able to find a confident stroke with it. My backhand is my bread and butter and my serve is coming along. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out my forehand. Every other aspect of my game has progressed, except my forehand. I spent 1.5 years, attempting to methodically figure out how to hit a proper forehand. I spent many hours with coaches, who didn't break things down for me, nor pointing out what I was missing. I've watched so, so many youtube videos, thought my footwork was bad and that my spacing was off. I could never figure out what the problems were. The mechanics always felt off and the results were random as much as they were inconsistent. I learned a lot of other forehand mechanics along the way, and usually there's not a 1 thing fixes all, but today there was. This video fixed all of those problems that I thought existed. I cannot put my happiness into text. No one discussed edge down and a stabilized wrist using the details you have. It is the happiest tennis day I've ever had. I was confidently hitting winners, hitting inside out for the first time in my life today. I'm writing this all to say, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I will help you, focus on the right finish for your forehand and coil your legs and uncoil then your legs and hips... focus on the full finish wrap your arm around your shoulder (full wrap) and congratulations you've a rocket that no one can return... even pro players can't.
I am a USTA 4.0 player working towards the goal of being 4.5. I have consistently watched your lessons on TH-cam for several years. You are an excellent teacher able to take extremely complex concepts and break them down in their simplest terms. It allows us to take this concepts to the court and implement them seeing incremental and consistent change when applied diligently. I want to thank you for being so generous and providing excellent content and instruction . You have helped my tennis game immensely and for this I am VERY grateful! God Bless you and your family!
You are simply one of the best instructors I've ever seen on youtube, if not the best. I was trying to understand difference for a long time. I'm thankful for your detailed explanation!
This is a fundamentally Earth shattering explaination .. I have never heard any if the pros able to explain the atp vs the WTA forehand so succinctly. This guy may not be the best coach out there, but he is certainly the best free coach!!
As a recreational player I‘ve never seen a better explanation of the modern forehand than this!!!! You’re an excellent teacher, thank you very much Thomas, I appreciate your channel!
Amazing! Exceptionally clear, technically-detailed, and very helpful instruction. This guy is the don! I must have watched 1,000+ tennis videos on TH-cam and this is one of the absolute best. Vamos!
You are single handily the best tennis instructor on youtube. Your timing vids and highball/fastball vid (about starting the stroke early) changed my game! This will give me something new to chew on
He's good but there are better. He does great work for players who are just getting into tennis, most of his lessons are very basic, he couldn't teach a stronger player very much at all!
Everyone has an opinion, yours my friend is interesting. However, opinions are like butts everyone has one too. I don't suppose you are playing ATP tennis . If you are please share some thoughts on hitting a forehand that might be of value to your peers. All the best in your match play.
actually the fact that he can REACH beginners, in ways that tap into the fundamental aspects of biomechanics effectively proves that he could coach a pro. A mind like his...is easily adaptable to the needs of an advanced player.
You are totally wrong in my opinion. I've seen many coaches, some of them in theory very high level, and quite a few others in youtube. This one excels, he has an insight to why and how moderns strokes are produced that I haven't found in other coaches. It's always debatable, but your reasoning isn't too logical. He indeed could coach a pro, I'm sure about that.
yeh, like what could he explain more on top of this? Actually there are many variations of every part of the stroke, but if one can understand what he explains, then all of that should not be difficult to figure out everything else.
This is really the best explanation of wrist lagging. There are lots of videos talking about wrist lagging, none of them can show it happens naturally with loose wrist. Tried this on the court, felt so much better with forehand. Keep the good work.
Great explanation on the effect of the forehand drop technique on the racket head speed. BUT you are completely overlooking the effect on topspin! This is what allows you to muster the power of the Federer-like drop technique: at contact, the whip motion of a relaxed wrist generates ten times the amount of topspin. So, maybe not at a purely recreational level, but for upper tier amateur competitors, it is surprisingly easy to master, because the added topspin makes the ball dip into the court like magic. You just have to imagine that your racket is a whip, and that the contact point is where you want your whip to make the cracking sound. Very simple. True, the timing is a bit trickier, but even if you are a bit late on some shots, the added topspin will help you keep control of the ball. Just try to keep the contact point in front and all will be fine. It is not half as tricky as you seem to imply it is. I made the transition to this whipy style in about half a season, and I gained tremendous amount of power AND control. Very natural and effortless once you have understood the principle.
I think its so difficult to quantify relative difficulties. If it was so much less easy to contol then i doubt any pros would do it. Its all risk / reward. Risk of unforced error vs risk of hitting a shot easily returned too. So i agree it is complicated yes.
I just started this technique last Summer at age 60 and it’s finally coming along. It’s my 4th generation forehand. It’s fun to work on technique after playing tennis for 5 decades!
@@bournejason66 it's not the (static) face down position per se, it's the storage of elastic energy from pronated forearm during the take back, to elastically supinated forearm when the racket reaches the face down position and then starts accelerating forward (also called "racket lag"). The supination -pronation isn't forced, it's just a consequence of racket inertia on a loose arm. That's why it works best with heavier sticks (with 320+ swingweight). In WTA style, there's also supination-pronation but it is artificial, not elastic, hence not as efficient. You don't have the same slingshot-effect topspin at contact point.
one of the best videos comparing the ATP modern forehand to the standard forehand. Great job explaining the pitfalls for recreational players who wanna hit a Roger Federer forehand
You are best Tomaz, wish I could train with you. You talk the truth, and always make me remember that I am a recreational player and that I need to approach the game according to my level and not try to copy the pro's that has been playing tennis they where 4 years old. While other youtubers promises magic formulas to get the "federer forhand" you tell us to wake up and know our limitations. Thank you! :)
Very helpful. I believe lots of beginner does not understand what you are talking about, but if you have played a while, you realize how true it is. Good job!
This is the best explanation of wrist lag I have heard in 50+ years playing tennis. As a teenager, I found out what the goal was by hitting the ball while holding the racquet in practice with only the thumb and forefinger.
I picked tennis up as an old man and been struggling for a while now. This is the first time ive had this explained and completely different from hitting a baseball which i have done all my life. I have a match tonight and ill try it, though i am sure it will take some getting used to, which i could hit against the wall first. just wanted to say thanks, this already feels like one of the best tennis fundamentals ive seen. I'll be back after awhile to report on how it works in reality
This is the best forehand video instruction I’ve seen. Really cleaned up my remaining problems. I was told to take the racquet back flat to the ground. No wonder each hit felt inconsistent.
I practiced this " solid wrist drill " today with amazing results . I admit like many beginners or relatively new tennis players my forehand has not been an offensive weapon. However, I made sure to combine a solid " Unit turn " . And, making sure to step forward and reach out with a solid wrist . Moving from low to high with a short back swing and a loose wrist that lags behind . Which acts like a sling shot at contact. I was dumb founded. It was so cool. I can't wait to practice it again and then try it out in doubles league soon. Thomas you are my favorite video Tennis Coach. Keep on Rocking .
We admire greatly the time and effort dedicated to publishing the videos! They are awesome! You explain in detail the subtle differences between a pro and an amateur and how to correct our mistakes! Thank you, Thomas!
This is a video everybody trying to learn the tennis forehand should watch! I have watched so many videos of how to hit a forehand. There are so many inconsistencies from one to the next. This is the first video that acknowledges the differences and explains the ramifications of each. This video was also very enlightening for me regarding when in the swing the wrist is hinged back in the power position. Love this video!
I am illumunated. I wish I had discovered this channel when I was just beginning to learn tennis. Years of waste with not focusingon on the science behind tennis. This person is the best.
Excellent video. I played without a wrist movement/aceleration for 30 years. I discovered this technique just practicing on my own only a few days ago. Now I find this video. It's incredible you can improve even at 45 years old. Greetings from Argentina.
Was taught to never use the wrist for forehand tennis shots but this now makes it so clear why that's just old school....on to the courts then! Thanks for a good video, subscribed!
I was a weak 4.0 player with no forehand due to tension at contact in the wrist. This video changed all that. Now my forehand is finally a weapon...This guy know his business....thank you
Just perfect on point explained! Since I drop my racket on the edge my control of the forehand improved a lot! It‘s so a tiny detail but very crucial for me. Thx for that advise I never saw a video which has a focus on that
This is a remarkably clear and insightful explanation. The endless repetition and impeccable timing applicable to the top pros just isn't available to recreational player, even a high level one, and trying to copycat the pro forehand is neither necessary or practicably achievable. Thank you!!
Hey super lesson! There are so much peaple who do Not understand this easy way to generate Power. When i had my first expereance whith this stroke I never wanted to loos ist again. Top thanks
Thanks God you exist @FeelTennisInstruction, without you, I would have lost all hope in my tennis initial career. I am 14 years old, and ten months ago I fell in a great depression. A year ago, I was taking away my passion, tennis, for many personal reasons, nevertheless, it was all in my head. Throughout experience, I have seen that tennis is a mental game, but it is also conformed of "your own will". I tried to find answers, which, without knowing it, I found them in my coach, in myself, in my game, but if I hadn't seen this same exact video, I wouldn't have had understood what was I doing wrong. For anyone, a video of how to manipulate your insignificant wrist, would mean nothing, but for me it means everything. Thank you! 🎾🎾☺️☺️👍🏽
Your lessons are unique. No other intructor explains the way you do. I think the most of them repeat the things that they have been taught but a lot of times is not the best way to learn, simply because is not the best explanation or model. What you teaches has a lot of sense to me, thank you so much!
Very clear and scientific explanation! 0.021s prep. is the best proof and explanation for those whom always focused on wrist lag and head drop technique on youtube, they never tell you will overhit, miss the hit and get injury, learn better before you can drive F1 car!
Great video and scientific explanation. What complicates the whole thing is the variation of the incoming shots with slice, spin, different heights and speed during regular matches.
I'm in a high school team, and now that I've watched your videos, I'm actually hitting the ball across the net using the footwork, different forehand, etc tips you taught me! Thank you very much!!!
Thank you Tomas for another awesome video. I’ve never seen ?better, more detailed explanation of the difference between the two forehand drop techniques. You have explained it clearly and it makes total sense. You are truly one of the best tennis instructors on TH-cam!
Just getting started. Played about 10 times. This is exactly what I was looking for. That drop wrist effect. I could feel when I relaxed the wrist I could hit harder. This proves it. Just subscribed. Thanks
Thanks Tomas this video is absolutely brilliant. I was really struggling to understand what the correct wrist position was during the drop. It first took me a long time to figure there is a drop for the forehand. Then "pat the dog', "lag and snap", "leading with the edge" are nice explanations for these concepts. However, this video summaries beautifully what to use for which type of player. Great analogy on the F1 car. Secretly I'd still want to start learning to drive on a go-kart and jump to the F1 car ...
I congratulate you Tomas, you added a great video so we can decipher the code. According to me, this video is a great video for all tennis fans. You just added the video. I've been searching for such a video for days. Myth busted I think.Thank you so much.
Thank you for the video. I've been studying this difference in forehand style for a couple of years now. Some have called the edge style the WTA forehand and the other the ATP. I grew up using the edge style and now utilize the closed technique. Your the first person I've seen outline the control vs power in both techniques. The closed racquet forehand definitely creates racquet speed allowing you to take time away from your opponent.
Wow, awesome explanation, Tomaz. An excellent description of the variations of the lag and snap forehand. The typical WTA player also swings around from behind their back where the typical ATP player is keeping the swing more to the side of the body. So, your approach is still very "modern" in that you advocate keeping the swing to the side, even if the racquet drop is more on edge. Thanks for your video!
+Shawn McDermott That's right, I also keep the swing to the side as I still get the arm-to-body lag it's just that I suggest a more calm wrist throughout the stroke.
Absolute game changer (pun intended)!! And I don't mean I only watched and I'm impressed by the the video content. I mean I watched last night, and took this technique on the court today and totally changed my FH effectiveness. I feel like you made this video for me! I was for sure copying Roger and dropping my racket on the face. When I made the switch to dropping on the edge, I had more time, my stroke was smoother - not hurried, and I was highly consistent with depth, spin/flat and control. Whereas before I was shanking and out of control - some shots amazing but some hit the back fence. Normally when my FH is good I look like a 5.0 player, when it's off I look like a 3.5. But today I hit against a 5.0 and 4.0 player at practice and I was easily controlling the points. In addition to drilling this in, I have to work on (1) my weight transfer and (2) hitting with increased pace - I stayed at 75% today to feel the new technique, and (3) hitting FH on the run THANKS!!!
Hey Thomaz, really thks for this video as it clear alot of my doubts. I have sort unknowingly mastered Federer's Forehand Form early this month. The more I play the more fluid is my forehand and received many praise from friends for being beautiful and powerfully effortless. Really thankful for your tips on the grip which give me the consistency. Just want to clarify that "Pat the dog" is a natural resultant of the preparation to forward swing. If you go to "pat the dog" straight as a prep position you will disconnect your forearm with your body giving you a missing sense of where your racket(Control Loss) is and heavy loss of power.
Thanks for posting this video. I'm at the point of my game where I was starting to wonder about a loose wrist vs. a forced "windshield wiper" motion. This answered my questions and I will start working on this.
nobody ever told me this. It is awesome. I was in some limbo zone of wrist partially back, not all the way back. I was using all my strength just to hold on to the racket and yet my forehand was so inconsistent. Thanks! great explanation
I really got a lot out of this video. There are hundreds of covers on this topic but this one really gave me the understanding of what's happening in this section of the stroke. Very helpful! Thanks!
thank you for very nice explanation. i am one that used to hit with full western grip for the purpose of more acceleration and spin but just like you said doesn't have full control of my stroke and even lost my ball placement. i was winning in the lower level because the ball is slower but while going up in the higher level i find it harder to win with this technique with faster and heavier balls. went to cincy open and able to watch and observe tomic hits the ball flatter with better ball placement. i realized that in my level of play placement is better than the old style of play im trying to work, now im back in the winning circle.
Holy shit this was helpful. Recently I’ve gotten a wrist overuse injury, and I’m not getting as much power. This really cleared things up. So excited to try this on court!
02:58 at contact point u want to have a STABLE WRIST (wrist is into a fully extended locked position) - you do not want to intentionally lay back the wrist before the swing.... it gets automatically into extension when u swing ... because it is loose it flips into the locked position. -at contact point u want the stable wrist! Note for me: for me personally ,not having the fully relaxed & fully extended wrist causes the face of the racket to open up (ball goes up&out -by dropping the racket on the side, u enter into the stable wrist position much earlier than dropping it face down. This gives more control since ur racket's face is positioned for contact with the ball so early in the swing.
I actually do the Federer stroke naturally without knowing it was his because i wanted a whipping action which is necessary for these modern super light rackets. After watching your other videos, I thought I was doing something wrong and tried that Halep stroke but its confining and it does have less power. I may go back since this video confirms that I was not wrong and my control is good with it. Thanks for the info.
Tomaz, you AMAZE me EVERY TIME! You always deliver fresh new instruction that you can't find anywhere else. I always need to take in your concepts for a little while, and 99.9% of the time side with you. I'm pretty accomplished and I still never saw it explained like this. Thank you! Great video, great job!!!!!
Finally! Someone is able to explain what all other coaches have told me to have a loose grip. 🙏🏼 thank you. Do you have a video for a one handed backhand?
I want to congratulate and thank you for your clear, thoughtful & precise instruction. This is probably the best instruction I have come across. I have been struggling with my forehand & you have answered all my questions in your modern forehand video. You have a real talent. Thank you!!
The ATP FH backswing vs the WTA's is, IMO, is mainly a consequence of the speed of their relative games. The speed of the men's game forces a more compact backswing and so they need to generate both power and spin with less "runway" so to speak. The women's game isn't as fast so you can get away with a more loopy backswing. But some women do use the ATP style forehand like Justine Henin; and she used it to great success. Regarding the ATP style, I believe both arm and wrist are completely relaxed and so the "lag" happens naturally as well as the wrist starting to extend forward as you hit through the ball and apply topspin. As a result, when everything is "loose" the effectiveness of the swing becomes sensitive to the racquet's balance point, which is the axis in which the racquet will rotate around, given it's attached basically at the wrist. This brings me to another interesting point about racquets - a head-light racquet will reinforce this "lag" technique more than a head-heavy one. Try wielding a hammer normally and recreate lag vs holding it by the heavy end.
correct, and women don't release the wrist till after contact of the ball either. another example of why women shouldn't get paid the same as men because their game is behind the men's by over a decade.
Are you referring to drag as air resistance? If so, I don't have an opinion on that. The trick is to find the right balance point so when you're wrist and arm is completely relaxed, the racquet's contact point is in front and you have directional control. In technical terms, this is referred to as Mgr/I which is somewhat dependent on the length of your arm in a double-pendulum model of the forehand.
I'm 3.5+ with a lacking forehand as I've never been able to find a confident stroke with it. My backhand is my bread and butter and my serve is coming along. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out my forehand. Every other aspect of my game has progressed, except my forehand. I spent 1.5 years, attempting to methodically figure out how to hit a proper forehand. I spent many hours with coaches, who didn't break things down for me, nor pointing out what I was missing. I've watched so, so many youtube videos, thought my footwork was bad and that my spacing was off. I could never figure out what the problems were. The mechanics always felt off and the results were random as much as they were inconsistent.
I learned a lot of other forehand mechanics along the way, and usually there's not a 1 thing fixes all, but today there was. This video fixed all of those problems that I thought existed. I cannot put my happiness into text. No one discussed edge down and a stabilized wrist using the details you have. It is the happiest tennis day I've ever had. I was confidently hitting winners, hitting inside out for the first time in my life today. I'm writing this all to say, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
That is just wonderful to hear, you not only made my day but you made my week! ;)
I will help you, focus on the right finish for your forehand and coil your legs and uncoil then your legs and hips... focus on the full finish wrap your arm around your shoulder (full wrap) and congratulations you've a rocket that no one can return... even pro players can't.
I am a USTA 4.0 player working towards the goal of being 4.5. I have consistently watched your lessons on TH-cam for several years. You are an excellent teacher able to take extremely complex concepts and break them down in their simplest terms. It allows us to take this concepts to the court and implement them seeing incremental and consistent change when applied diligently. I want to thank you for being so generous and providing excellent content and instruction . You have helped my tennis game immensely and for this I am VERY grateful! God Bless you and your family!
As a former competitive player and longtime coach I have to say you are the best tennis instructor on TH-cam.
Similar background for me, and I totally agree
me too!!!!!
I have to agree 🙏🙏🙏
That’s so true this channel explains in a simple and concise way
Thomas you are the best!
You are simply one of the best instructors I've ever seen on youtube, if not the best. I was trying to understand difference for a long time. I'm thankful for your detailed explanation!
dionisis11
dionisis11 😫
haha 69 likes
Me too.
This is a fundamentally Earth shattering explaination .. I have never heard any if the pros able to explain the atp vs the WTA forehand so succinctly. This guy may not be the best coach out there, but he is certainly the best free coach!!
As a recreational player I‘ve never seen a better explanation of the modern forehand than this!!!!
You’re an excellent teacher, thank you very much Thomas, I appreciate your channel!
Amazing! Exceptionally clear, technically-detailed, and very helpful instruction. This guy is the don! I must have watched 1,000+ tennis videos on TH-cam and this is one of the absolute best. Vamos!
Llllllll a
El mayor secreto del tenis muy bien contado !!!
You are single handily the best tennis instructor on youtube. Your timing vids and highball/fastball vid (about starting the stroke early) changed my game! This will give me something new to chew on
He's good but there are better. He does great work for players who are just getting into tennis, most of his lessons are very basic, he couldn't teach a stronger player very much at all!
Everyone has an opinion, yours my friend is interesting. However, opinions are like butts everyone has one too. I don't suppose you are playing ATP tennis . If you are please share some thoughts on hitting a forehand that might be of value to your peers. All the best in your match play.
actually the fact that he can REACH beginners, in ways that tap into the fundamental aspects of biomechanics effectively proves that he could coach a pro. A mind like his...is easily adaptable to the needs of an advanced player.
You are totally wrong in my opinion. I've seen many coaches, some of them in theory very high level, and quite a few others in youtube. This one excels, he has an insight to why and how moderns strokes are produced that I haven't found in other coaches. It's always debatable, but your reasoning isn't too logical. He indeed could coach a pro, I'm sure about that.
yeh, like what could he explain more on top of this? Actually there are many variations of every part of the stroke, but if one can understand what he explains, then all of that should not be difficult to figure out everything else.
This is really the best explanation of wrist lagging. There are lots of videos talking about wrist lagging, none of them can show it happens naturally with loose wrist. Tried this on the court, felt so much better with forehand. Keep the good work.
Great explanation on the effect of the forehand drop technique on the racket head speed.
BUT you are completely overlooking the effect on topspin!
This is what allows you to muster the power of the Federer-like drop technique: at contact, the whip motion of a relaxed wrist generates ten times the amount of topspin.
So, maybe not at a purely recreational level, but for upper tier amateur competitors, it is surprisingly easy to master, because the added topspin makes the ball dip into the court like magic.
You just have to imagine that your racket is a whip, and that the contact point is where you want your whip to make the cracking sound. Very simple.
True, the timing is a bit trickier, but even if you are a bit late on some shots, the added topspin will help you keep control of the ball. Just try to keep the contact point in front and all will be fine.
It is not half as tricky as you seem to imply it is.
I made the transition to this whipy style in about half a season, and I gained tremendous amount of power AND control. Very natural and effortless once you have understood the principle.
Frederic Sarge, you are probably not a 3.5 player or a weekend only 4.0!
I think its so difficult to quantify relative difficulties. If it was so much less easy to contol then i doubt any pros would do it. Its all risk / reward. Risk of unforced error vs risk of hitting a shot easily returned too. So i agree it is complicated yes.
I just started this technique last Summer at age 60 and it’s finally coming along. It’s my 4th generation forehand. It’s fun to work on technique after playing tennis for 5 decades!
Why face down gives you more spin?
@@bournejason66 it's not the (static) face down position per se, it's the storage of elastic energy from pronated forearm during the take back, to elastically supinated forearm when the racket reaches the face down position and then starts accelerating forward (also called "racket lag"). The supination -pronation isn't forced, it's just a consequence of racket inertia on a loose arm. That's why it works best with heavier sticks (with 320+ swingweight). In WTA style, there's also supination-pronation but it is artificial, not elastic, hence not as efficient. You don't have the same slingshot-effect topspin at contact point.
I don't understand why this guy doesn't have 10M followers.
best forehand lesson I've seen in 40 years
This is why there are so many talented european players....detailed, thorough understanding of the mechanics. Phenomenal instructive video
One of the best instructions I’ve seen with the lag on the forehand. Well done!
one of the best videos comparing the ATP modern forehand to the standard forehand. Great job explaining the pitfalls for recreational players who wanna hit a Roger Federer forehand
You are best Tomaz, wish I could train with you. You talk the truth, and always make me remember that I am a recreational player and that I need to approach the game according to my level and not try to copy the pro's that has been playing tennis they where 4 years old. While other youtubers promises magic formulas to get the "federer forhand" you tell us to wake up and know our limitations. Thank you! :)
881684err444
It’s such a pleasure watching these videos, nuanced stuff laid bare for you
Very helpful. I believe lots of beginner does not understand what you are talking about, but if you have played a while, you realize how true it is. Good job!
Playing today for the first time in over ten years... Im going to try and bring this to the court today. Wish me luck! Great Video
This is the best explanation of wrist lag I have heard in 50+ years playing tennis. As a teenager, I found out what the goal was by hitting the ball while holding the racquet in practice with only the thumb and forefinger.
I picked tennis up as an old man and been struggling for a while now. This is the first time ive had this explained and completely different from hitting a baseball which i have done all my life. I have a match tonight and ill try it, though i am sure it will take some getting used to, which i could hit against the wall first. just wanted to say thanks, this already feels like one of the best tennis fundamentals ive seen. I'll be back after awhile to report on how it works in reality
There best video I have ever seen to explain forehand drop techniques. Pls keep making such exceptional videos. Thank you very much!
The best explanation of the forehand I've ever heard! Great job! I'll immediately look through your other videos!
This is the best forehand video instruction I’ve seen. Really cleaned up my remaining problems. I was told to take the racquet back flat to the ground. No wonder each hit felt inconsistent.
I practiced this " solid wrist drill " today with amazing results . I admit like many beginners or relatively new tennis players my forehand has not been an offensive weapon. However, I made sure to combine a solid " Unit turn " . And, making sure to step forward and reach out with a solid wrist . Moving from low to high with a short back swing and a loose wrist that lags behind .
Which acts like a sling shot at contact. I was dumb founded. It was so cool. I can't wait to practice it again and then try it out in doubles league soon. Thomas you are my favorite video Tennis Coach. Keep on Rocking .
We admire greatly the time and effort dedicated to publishing the videos! They are awesome! You explain in detail the subtle differences between a pro and an amateur and how to correct our mistakes! Thank you, Thomas!
Nikola Lalev j
Gosh! Thr way u show how to "produce" thr wrist lag is just perfect! My students gonna thank u! Best wishes from Brazil!
Simply, the best drop and lag video I have ever seen. I think everyone who wants to learn tennis should start here, great time saver. Thank you!
This is a video everybody trying to learn the tennis forehand should watch! I have watched so many videos of how to hit a forehand. There are so many inconsistencies from one to the next. This is the first video that acknowledges the differences and explains the ramifications of each. This video was also very enlightening for me regarding when in the swing the wrist is hinged back in the power position. Love this video!
This is so helpful! Best breakdown of lag forehand so far!
The best explanation of modern forehand take back technique I have seen on TH-cam.
This is the best tennis video I have ever seen on TH-cam for instruction
Thanks!
I am illumunated. I wish I had discovered this channel when I was just beginning to learn tennis. Years of waste with not focusingon on the science behind tennis. This person is the best.
Excellent video. I played without a wrist movement/aceleration for 30 years. I discovered this technique just practicing on my own only a few days ago. Now I find this video. It's incredible you can improve even at 45 years old. Greetings from Argentina.
Was taught to never use the wrist for forehand tennis shots but this now makes it so clear why that's just old school....on to the courts then! Thanks for a good video, subscribed!
Yes, we need to forward this video to several tennis friends. He is a great teacher.
I was a weak 4.0 player with no forehand due to tension at contact in the wrist. This video changed all that. Now my forehand is finally a weapon...This guy know his business....thank you
Just perfect on point explained! Since I drop my racket on the edge my control of the forehand improved a lot! It‘s so a tiny detail but very crucial for me. Thx for that advise I never saw a video which has a focus on that
The Best tennis instruction channel in my opinion. Thanks for the good work
Instant improvement after watching a different lesson of yours on the drop. You are the Socrates of tennis. Thx!
This is a remarkably clear and insightful explanation. The endless repetition and impeccable timing applicable to the top pros just isn't available to recreational player, even a high level one, and trying to copycat the pro forehand is neither necessary or practicably achievable. Thank you!!
Hey super lesson! There are so much peaple who do Not understand this easy way to generate Power. When i had my first expereance whith this stroke I never wanted to loos ist again. Top thanks
Oh my god! you did it again Tomaz! that`s why is very difficult to copy Federe`s forehand and many people do not undestand. Thank you very much
Thanks God you exist @FeelTennisInstruction, without you, I would have lost all hope in my tennis initial career. I am 14 years old, and ten months ago I fell in a great depression. A year ago, I was taking away my passion, tennis, for many personal reasons, nevertheless, it was all in my head. Throughout experience, I have seen that tennis is a mental game, but it is also conformed of "your own will". I tried to find answers, which, without knowing it, I found them in my coach, in myself, in my game, but if I hadn't seen this same exact video, I wouldn't have had understood what was I doing wrong. For anyone, a video of how to manipulate your insignificant wrist, would mean nothing, but for me it means everything.
Thank you! 🎾🎾☺️☺️👍🏽
dang monster forehand?
Your lessons are unique. No other intructor explains the way you do. I think the most of them repeat the things that they have been taught but a lot of times is not the best way to learn, simply because is not the best explanation or model. What you teaches has a lot of sense to me, thank you so much!
I appreciate that!
Very clear and scientific explanation! 0.021s prep. is the best proof and explanation for those whom always focused on wrist lag and head drop technique on youtube, they never tell you will overhit, miss the hit and get injury, learn better before you can drive F1 car!
Best forehand video in years ... easy for every reacreationel player to understand and chose right technique 👍🎾🎾
Such a thorough breakdown of forehand mechanics!
Great video and scientific explanation. What complicates the whole thing is the variation of the incoming shots with slice, spin, different heights and speed during regular matches.
I'm in a high school team, and now that I've watched your videos, I'm actually hitting the ball across the net using the footwork, different forehand, etc tips you taught me! Thank you very much!!!
Did you want to go international level?
Thank you Tomas for another awesome video. I’ve never seen ?better, more detailed explanation of the difference between the two forehand drop techniques. You have explained it clearly and it makes total sense. You are truly one of the best tennis instructors on TH-cam!
Just getting started. Played about 10 times. This is exactly what I was looking for. That drop wrist effect. I could feel when I relaxed the wrist I could hit harder. This proves it. Just subscribed. Thanks
Probably the BEST most thorough explanation yet! THANK YOU!
100% Agree with TC, best ever dissertation on racquet drop technique and the benefits and challenges of each!!! Thank You!
Thanks Tomas this video is absolutely brilliant. I was really struggling to understand what the correct wrist position was during the drop. It first took me a long time to figure there is a drop for the forehand. Then "pat the dog', "lag and snap", "leading with the edge" are nice explanations for these concepts. However, this video summaries beautifully what to use for which type of player. Great analogy on the F1 car. Secretly I'd still want to start learning to drive on a go-kart and jump to the F1 car ...
I only watch n learn from feel tennis because he's the Best.
I congratulate you Tomas, you added a great video so we can decipher the code. According to me, this video is a great video for all tennis fans. You just added the video. I've been searching for such a video for days. Myth busted I think.Thank you so much.
Thank you for the video. I've been studying this difference in forehand style for a couple of years now. Some have called the edge style the WTA forehand and the other the ATP. I grew up using the edge style and now utilize the closed technique. Your the first person I've seen outline the control vs power in both techniques. The closed racquet forehand definitely creates racquet speed allowing you to take time away from your opponent.
This guy knows what he is talking about. Excellent !
This video is very useful to upgrade on my tennis ability.your explaitions are easy and strategically.
This is simply the best. No more compliment needed. Excellent!
Wow, awesome explanation, Tomaz. An excellent description of the variations of the lag and snap forehand. The typical WTA player also swings around from behind their back where the typical ATP player is keeping the swing more to the side of the body. So, your approach is still very "modern" in that you advocate keeping the swing to the side, even if the racquet drop is more on edge. Thanks for your video!
+Shawn McDermott That's right, I also keep the swing to the side as I still get the arm-to-body lag it's just that I suggest a more calm wrist throughout the stroke.
Absolute game changer (pun intended)!! And I don't mean I only watched and I'm impressed by the the video content. I mean I watched last night, and took this technique on the court today and totally changed my FH effectiveness.
I feel like you made this video for me! I was for sure copying Roger and dropping my racket on the face. When I made the switch to dropping on the edge, I had more time, my stroke was smoother - not hurried, and I was highly consistent with depth, spin/flat and control. Whereas before I was shanking and out of control - some shots amazing but some hit the back fence.
Normally when my FH is good I look like a 5.0 player, when it's off I look like a 3.5. But today I hit against a 5.0 and 4.0 player at practice and I was easily controlling the points.
In addition to drilling this in, I have to work on (1) my weight transfer and (2) hitting with increased pace - I stayed at 75% today to feel the new technique, and (3) hitting FH on the run
THANKS!!!
Thanks for the explanation! This is the best explanation I found so far in youtube
Wonderful, thanks for the feedback!
Thanks ! Finally understand why I miss so many forehand
Wow very well explained this is it I have been searching for months
very clear explanation of the wrist position when hitting a forehand; the lag, Learning after 40 years of playing tennis!!
Hey Thomaz, really thks for this video as it clear alot of my doubts. I have sort unknowingly mastered Federer's Forehand Form early this month. The more I play the more fluid is my forehand and received many praise from friends for being beautiful and powerfully effortless. Really thankful for your tips on the grip which give me the consistency.
Just want to clarify that "Pat the dog" is a natural resultant of the preparation to forward swing. If you go to "pat the dog" straight as a prep position you will disconnect your forearm with your body giving you a missing sense of where your racket(Control Loss) is and heavy loss of power.
Thanks for posting this video. I'm at the point of my game where I was starting to wonder about a loose wrist vs. a forced "windshield wiper" motion. This answered my questions and I will start working on this.
nobody ever told me this. It is awesome. I was in some limbo zone of wrist partially back, not all the way back. I was using all my strength just to hold on to the racket and yet my forehand was so inconsistent. Thanks! great explanation
I really got a lot out of this video. There are hundreds of covers on this topic but this one really gave me the understanding of what's happening in this section of the stroke. Very helpful! Thanks!
You are the best tennis instructor that ever lived PERIOD
I have chased what is wrong with my forehand and finally got an answer through your video. Big thanks.
thank you for very nice explanation. i am one that used to hit with full western grip for the purpose of more acceleration and spin but just like you said doesn't have full control of my stroke and even lost my ball placement. i was winning in the lower level because the ball is slower but while going up in the higher level i find it harder to win with this technique with faster and heavier balls. went to cincy open and able to watch and observe tomic hits the ball flatter with better ball placement. i realized that in my level of play placement is better than the old style of play im trying to work, now im back in the winning circle.
Thank you. This is a very high level analysis which takes away a lot of the confusion that exist out there about the forehand.
such a great lesson! thanks for explaining it. it clears out my confusion!
I’m sold; going to watch all your videos
Holy shit this was helpful. Recently I’ve gotten a wrist overuse injury, and I’m not getting as much power. This really cleared things up. So excited to try this on court!
Clear, succinct and professional. Awesome! Thanks
02:58 at contact point u want to have a STABLE WRIST (wrist is into a fully extended locked position)
- you do not want to intentionally lay back the wrist before the swing.... it gets automatically into extension when u swing ... because it is loose it flips into the locked position.
-at contact point u want the stable wrist! Note for me: for me personally ,not having the fully relaxed & fully extended wrist causes the face of the racket to open up (ball goes up&out
-by dropping the racket on the side, u enter into the stable wrist position much earlier than dropping it face down. This gives more control since ur racket's face is positioned for contact with the ball so early in the swing.
I actually do the Federer stroke naturally without knowing it was his because i wanted a whipping action which is necessary for these modern super light rackets. After watching your other videos, I thought I was doing something wrong and tried that Halep stroke but its confining and it does have less power. I may go back since this video confirms that I was not wrong and my control is good with it. Thanks for the info.
Tomaz, you AMAZE me EVERY TIME! You always deliver fresh new instruction that you can't find anywhere else. I always need to take in your concepts for a little while, and 99.9% of the time side with you. I'm pretty accomplished and I still never saw it explained like this. Thank you! Great video, great job!!!!!
Thanks, Ross, much appreciated!
Very detailed , logical & applicatory. Exceptional training.
very good analysis with the wrist mechanism
Thank you for your tips and video appreciated, some learnings i would embrace in my game thanks a lot 👍👍👏👏
Finally! Someone is able to explain what all other coaches have told me to have a loose grip. 🙏🏼 thank you.
Do you have a video for a one handed backhand?
I agree the other comments that one of the best forehand instructions describing the minute details. I highly recommend this video.
I needed this video so BADLY! I was confused on these 3 techniques, now I know the pros and cons. Thx coach,
truly great video for guys who want to understand modern forehand and wrist work, great job!
Thank you for sharing it helps me a lot because I am a beginner to learned this game.
I swear this is the best tennis channel on YT. Immensely improved my serve technique and now my forehand.
You’re the best!
Thanks. This explains a lot. You're extremely effective at teaching and delineating concepts
It takes years and years , I started to play tennis a year ago, and you are absolutely right , Rome wasn't built in one day 👍🏻🎾❤️
Very simple and clear explanation, keep them coming
Thank you this ia a great video
I ve been searchin for this explanation for a long time
Thank you! Really good video, finally a really good coach that is up to date with the pros.
I want to congratulate and thank you for your clear, thoughtful & precise instruction. This is probably the best instruction I have come across. I have been struggling with my forehand & you have answered all my questions in your modern forehand video. You have a real talent. Thank you!!
The ATP FH backswing vs the WTA's is, IMO, is mainly a consequence of the speed of their relative games. The speed of the men's game forces a more compact backswing and so they need to generate both power and spin with less "runway" so to speak. The women's game isn't as fast so you can get away with a more loopy backswing. But some women do use the ATP style forehand like Justine Henin; and she used it to great success. Regarding the ATP style, I believe both arm and wrist are completely relaxed and so the "lag" happens naturally as well as the wrist starting to extend forward as you hit through the ball and apply topspin. As a result, when everything is "loose" the effectiveness of the swing becomes sensitive to the racquet's balance point, which is the axis in which the racquet will rotate around, given it's attached basically at the wrist. This brings me to another interesting point about racquets - a head-light racquet will reinforce this "lag" technique more than a head-heavy one. Try wielding a hammer normally and recreate lag vs holding it by the heavy end.
I agree with you about the head light racket's amenability to a stroke with lag. The balance point of the racket is a very good point.
correct, and women don't release the wrist till after contact of the ball either. another example of why women shouldn't get paid the same as men because their game is behind the men's by over a decade.
Excellent points!
Are you referring to drag as air resistance? If so, I don't have an opinion on that. The trick is to find the right balance point so when you're wrist and arm is completely relaxed, the racquet's contact point is in front and you have directional control. In technical terms, this is referred to as Mgr/I which is somewhat dependent on the length of your arm in a double-pendulum model of the forehand.
Don´t agree with the terms WTA FH and ATP FH. With this Del Potro would have a WTA FH, and his forehand is a monster.
Fantastic detail to the overall forehand techniques.. subscribed!