Kevin, I’ve been struggling with this issue and your video was exactly what I needed. I really love the way you provide such excellent and practical drills. Many thanks, Phil
Amazing video! Tried to focus on all the aspects which you need to have for your forehand which feels like working for a PHD. Focus on relaxing everything, BAM! All the other stuff is done on its own! Power and control, all is present now out of nowhere :D. (Played tennis for 10 years between 10 and 20, now back with 36).
I love how you say less efficient’ you’re such a great soul ‘ may the Lord Bless you and your friends for many years to come ‘ I’m from Oregon’ getting started in tennis 🎾 trynna start new habits and a newer lifestyle thank you for tha video !
Thanks so much Kevin. Did your drill at home with my semi western grip, so flat then the hand raising up squares the racket. Just back from club play and it’s the best I’ve played for years. The other key was keeping hand in front of or level with the racket at contact. That “small timing difference” you mention is so key. The slo mo really shows it. Thanks again!
Love this video Kevin. I've noticed in matches when it gets close, I can get a bit stiff in my strokes due to nerves. When playing matches now I just tell myself to play as lose and free as possible and trust that I'll make the ball. If you can stay lose in your strokes and serve, it makes a huge difference.
@@TotalTennisDomination I just leave little finger off the grip for my serves I just tuck it under the butt cap for I like to keep my wrist unlocked. But I also keep the wrist unlocked for my forehand to allow me to do mini little crosscourt angles over the netcord with tight spin when behind or inside the baseline or up at the court net area, and I use it for my one hand backhand slice to allow me to side spin the ball more. I also use a loose wrist when doing my swinging volleys so I can do mini angled droppers over the netcord to pull them out towards the side fences. The Loose wrist allows me to open up more areas of the court. I do like using that Alcatraz Forehand with a loose wrist. I don't like hitting with tight tension in the wrist.
thanks for the video. Could you also do a video on how to hit the most effective groundstrokes. Like a combined class of both forehand and backhand instruction. That would help!
Wow, what a brilliant video. Thanks for this. I feel like I'm tense when i play in general and don't seem to have the ability to relax but i think this video explains it so well and going to try it. Can you do one for the double handed backhand and the single handed please? I always use a slice backhand but trying to learn ow i can do a 2 hander.
⭐ Great upload. You are an excellent communicator. I spent last weekend actively trying to relax my forehand and get more control out of my new (to me) Volkl Tour 10. It's a really whippy racquet and I was playing kinda stiff (shoulder injury, ugh). Lots of long shots. Gonna warm up with these techniques next time out. 💯 Edit: 👍 + sub, great content
Kevin, please do a video for the backhand as well. And another thing: Can you please make a video about the most important checkpoints on the 2hbh? I'm not sure how I should explain it to a friend, hands first then rotation, or rotation first etc.
I have a one-handed backhand but would still love to see a video with this technique for a two-handed. I play with one but like to practice with both one and two. 🙂
Thanks Kevin! This is great and much appreciated. Yes, it would be great if you did this same type of training video for the two-handed backhand. Thanks again.
At the point of contact with the ball, the wrist must be in the firm position for strength. What I have trouble with is knowing when to go from loose, to firm, then to loose again, per your hinge analogy. What are your thoughts?
This is why a higher swingweight is preferred. The looser you can hold the racquet, the more relaxed you can hit the ball. It creates more pace and you are less likely to get an elbow injury. When you grip the racquet tightly on ground strokes, it creates tension in the ligaments and tendons.
Agree. But only if your technique allows for it. If you don't have enough rackethead control than a racket with more weight can actually cause you injuries.
Every time I try to have a “one” relaxed wrist, I seem to lose complete control of the contact point and the ball ends up on Mars. How do I make sure I still have control while having a very loose wrist? I end up defaulting back to as tighter wrist otherwise I’ll lose every match I play 😂
The analogy I like to think of for repelling a powerful blow is using the "karate kid" example "wax on wax off". I'm not trying to meet power for blows with a powerful impact but trying to dissipate the power by brushing up on the ball.
@@TotalTennisDomination Well, that's understandable.. but still respond to a counter powerful blow with a light brush .. this is a straight Spanish school..and traumatic..when I switched from Blade and Clash to head gravity.. it became unreal.. play with "two fingers"
So, is this a whipping motion, where the wrist is very loose? I've been trying to get this question answered but am finding that answer very allusive. If it is a whipping the motion, the wrist is very loose and the racquet naturally lags as the arm comes forward and then the racquet "whips" through the contact point and into the follow through. It is very a very different feeling from my much more firm stroke, so....is this right?
Thanks for the question! This is not a whipping motion, where the racquet is slung into the ball by the wrist, but more so where the weight of the racquet head allows the wrist to hinge back into a extended position, which is a strong position for contact. Here's a slow motion of Roger hitting. th-cam.com/video/TViGEogv3rc/w-d-xo.html Although I do see some pros using the wrist, I think this is a different shot where they're trying to impart extra spin when trying to bend the ball with heavy topspin. I don't suggest that personally, because over using the wrist could cause injury.
@@TotalTennisDomination Thanks for the reply, it helps. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is how stiff the wrist is throughout the stroke and at contact. My best analogy would be: is it a noodle? With a noodle wrist, the racquet is slung at the ball (great description, thanks!) but not by the wrist but by the arm accelerating forward and the wrist and racquet just come along for the ride loosely and naturally, kind of like the end of a whip just follows wherever the handle has whipped it. Hope this makes sense 🙃
I would suggest you to test different wrist loose levels. Maybe go for around 100 shots or more on each level and when you feel that you are comfortable(have that efortless feeling) and satisfied with the speed, spin and control of the ball then feel free to use that level.
I've always thought Andy Murray's forehand technique was suspect and probably one of the reasons he's had such bad hip problems. He tends to fall backwards onto his hip and make it more of an arm shot. His contact point also probably could be a bit more forward.
It looks like you hold the forehand grip with your pinky off the racquet. For real or is it an optical illusion? How far down or choked up are you on fh?
Related to looseness, I found that thinking about 'LETTING the racquet tip go helps me stay loose and have proper mechanics--together with breathing out long and slow on the swing. focusing on the image of letting the tip swing away / fly away...
Yes you can get faster racquet head speed using a whipping hinge especially on a slow ball to hit it flat. Once the ball starts having serious momentum and you’re brushing up on the ball to control it the vectors shift and a twisting force on the racquet at impact makes you tighten up naturally. Pros don’t get massive forearm strength by holding the racquet 3/10. Watch a pro hitting 15 feet from you. I guarantee you’ll see them holding the racquet atleast 7/10. It’s a firm grip staring 6” before impact and loose arms that’s the real “secret”.
I agree that sometimes you may have to add a little bit more tension, but if you watch the video I link below while Rogers hitting the ball, you can clearly see that he is not squeezing the racket to death, because if so, the racquet would not spin around in his hand like it does. thanks for the comment. th-cam.com/video/TViGEogv3rc/w-d-xo.html
😂😂😂 I am the very first person watching this very valuable tip video. Thank you 😊 Yesterday I was trying to explain how to hit with a loose relax hand to a friend. He was very stiff and tight in his wrist arms and shoulder. I am scared 😱 Has google TH-cam started reading our brain thoughts 💭? 😂😂 (It shows 3 thumbs up 👍 but also it says no views, is not that weird?)
Yes to two hander backhand video.
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
@@TotalTennisDomination5:30
Kevin, I’ve been struggling with this issue and your video was exactly what I needed. I really love the way you provide such excellent and practical drills. Many thanks, Phil
Excellent demo. I've heard all these words before but this was a great kinetic explanation and drill. A saver.
Amazing - super explanation and easy-to-follow drill ! Please do the same for the two-handed backhand
Totally natural teacher. Great content and lesson
I appreciate that!
Amazing video! Tried to focus on all the aspects which you need to have for your forehand which feels like working for a PHD. Focus on relaxing everything, BAM! All the other stuff is done on its own! Power and control, all is present now out of nowhere :D. (Played tennis for 10 years between 10 and 20, now back with 36).
Thanks, this is helpful for me to actually understand what "relax" means when I have heard this so many times...
I love how you say less efficient’ you’re such a great soul ‘ may the Lord Bless you and your friends for many years to come ‘ I’m from Oregon’ getting started in tennis 🎾 trynna start new habits and a newer lifestyle thank you for tha video !
This was the perfect tip to improve my forehand. Many thanks!
Thanks so much Kevin. Did your drill at home with my semi western grip, so flat then the hand raising up squares the racket. Just back from club play and it’s the best I’ve played for years. The other key was keeping hand in front of or level with the racket at contact. That “small timing difference” you mention is so key. The slo mo really shows it. Thanks again!
Another excellent video & super clear explanation! Thank you, Kevin. Such a game-changer! 🙏🏽
Learned this along time ago with golf! Tension is a speed and timing killer! Learning to relax and explode is key in any sport. Nice video.
Love this video Kevin. I've noticed in matches when it gets close, I can get a bit stiff in my strokes due to nerves. When playing matches now I just tell myself to play as lose and free as possible and trust that I'll make the ball.
If you can stay lose in your strokes and serve, it makes a huge difference.
total agree! thanks
@@TotalTennisDomination I just leave little finger off the grip for my serves I just tuck it under the butt cap for I like to keep my wrist unlocked. But I also keep the wrist unlocked for my forehand to allow me to do mini little crosscourt angles over the netcord with tight spin when behind or inside the baseline or up at the court net area, and I use it for my one hand backhand slice to allow me to side spin the ball more. I also use a loose wrist when doing my swinging volleys so I can do mini angled droppers over the netcord to pull them out towards the side fences. The Loose wrist allows me to open up more areas of the court. I do like using that Alcatraz Forehand with a loose wrist. I don't like hitting with tight tension in the wrist.
Yes. Please make the two handed backhand video.
Amazing, you can say it louder but not clearer, thanks for the quality content mate.
Love TTD!! Let's get a backhand video to complement this masterclass !!
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Really loving your videos. Feels like you made this one just for me 😂
Thank you Kevin,
All your work in those videos is amazing and so clear
Thanks from France 🖐
Glad you like them!
so good!!! not payable with money for me as a starting trainer, pls keep the quality on!
thanks for the video. Could you also do a video on how to hit the most effective groundstrokes. Like a combined class of both forehand and backhand instruction. That would help!
Yes, please do a video for the two hand backhand.
Wow, what a brilliant video. Thanks for this. I feel like I'm tense when i play in general and don't seem to have the ability to relax but i think this video explains it so well and going to try it. Can you do one for the double handed backhand and the single handed please? I always use a slice backhand but trying to learn ow i can do a 2 hander.
⭐ Great upload. You are an excellent communicator. I spent last weekend actively trying to relax my forehand and get more control out of my new (to me) Volkl Tour 10. It's a really whippy racquet and I was playing kinda stiff (shoulder injury, ugh). Lots of long shots. Gonna warm up with these techniques next time out. 💯
Edit: 👍 + sub, great content
Really Great Instruction! Thank You
Very good demonstration! Thank you very much!
Kevin, please do a video for the backhand as well. And another thing:
Can you please make a video about the most important checkpoints on the 2hbh? I'm not sure how I should explain it to a friend, hands first then rotation, or rotation first etc.
Here's a link to a backhand video: studio.th-cam.com/users/videoQTxDL2WIjq0/edit
thanks
Please keep making more videos!! Btw love that new radical mp
Great video… yes please do the backhand version 😊
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Great video. Video for one-handed, backhand would be much appreciated. Thank you so much!
Coming soon!
Great video. Do you have some drill like this, to one hand backhand? Thanks
Excellent video! Thanks!
I have a one-handed backhand but would still love to see a video with this technique for a two-handed. I play with one but like to practice with both one and two. 🙂
Thanks a lot. Pls share the double handed backhand motion too.
Thanks, Kevin!
Thanks Kevin! This is great and much appreciated. Yes, it would be great if you did this same type of training video for the two-handed backhand. Thanks again.
Agreed! waiting for a two handed backhand:)
explained really well, thank you. 💪
Thanks bro, love this, I hold the racket like my life depends on it!!😢😢 wrong way.. stiff. .
lol...
Gréât vidéo. Yes to the back hand.
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the great video as always, your contents are very high quality, yes would love to see a two-handed backend drill video, thank you
Thanks, here is the link to the two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Would love yhe two handed backhand video 😊
Include me in wanting to see this approach to the backhand. (extra vote for two-handed)
Great video
good video. Isn’t this the same as a throwing lotion?
So Kevin, are saying that lag helps as well? Not just sexy?!
Anyway, best lag video so far 👍
Thank you.
Please make the one for backhand as well
Pls do video for double backhand!
Would be great if you could make a video on double handed backhand with the same lagging motion demonstrated!😊
yeah i need this as well
Here you go, thanks - th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Here you go, thanks th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi Kevin. I've always been curious what your string set up is. The ball always sounds sweet coming off your racquet.
thanks, I use Head hawk touch at 48 pounds with my Head Radical MP
At the point of contact with the ball, the wrist must be in the firm position for strength. What I have trouble with is knowing when to go from loose, to firm, then to loose again, per your hinge analogy. What are your thoughts?
Would love to learn it on two hand back hand please
Absolutely wanna see the two hand backhand. I'm one hander, But recently learning two-hand, it's funny.
Thanks Kevin
Video on one handed backhand please Kevin.
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Thanks a lot
Kevin, should we lead with the hand or the elbow? Can you please clarify this? Thanks.
I personally focus on relaxing my hand but I think the elbow will go first if the arm is relaxed. thanks
Please make a double backhand video with the same style lesson!
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Please do the loose backhand video
Watching this video makes me want to become a tennis ball. They get all the attention, and they don't even have to do anything! 🎾😅
This is why a higher swingweight is preferred. The looser you can hold the racquet, the more relaxed you can hit the ball. It creates more pace and you are less likely to get an elbow injury. When you grip the racquet tightly on ground strokes, it creates tension in the ligaments and tendons.
Agree. But only if your technique allows for it. If you don't have enough rackethead control than a racket with more weight can actually cause you injuries.
Every time I try to have a “one” relaxed wrist, I seem to lose complete control of the contact point and the ball ends up on Mars. How do I make sure I still have control while having a very loose wrist? I end up defaulting back to as tighter wrist otherwise I’ll lose every match I play 😂
Same 😂
Yes
the two handed backhand would be great
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
And how are you going to repel a powerful blow ? When is the brush relaxed ?
The analogy I like to think of for repelling a powerful blow is using the "karate kid" example "wax on wax off". I'm not trying to meet power for blows with a powerful impact but trying to dissipate the power by brushing up on the ball.
@@TotalTennisDomination Well, that's understandable.. but still respond to a counter powerful blow with a light brush .. this is a straight Spanish school..and traumatic..when I switched from Blade and Clash to head gravity..
it became unreal.. play with "two fingers"
So, is this a whipping motion, where the wrist is very loose?
I've been trying to get this question answered but am finding that answer very allusive. If it is a whipping the motion, the wrist is very loose and the racquet naturally lags as the arm comes forward and then the racquet "whips" through the contact point and into the follow through. It is very a very different feeling from my much more firm stroke, so....is this right?
Thanks for the question! This is not a whipping motion, where the racquet is slung into the ball by the wrist, but more so where the weight of the racquet head allows the wrist to hinge back into a extended position, which is a strong position for contact. Here's a slow motion of Roger hitting. th-cam.com/video/TViGEogv3rc/w-d-xo.html
Although I do see some pros using the wrist, I think this is a different shot where they're trying to impart extra spin when trying to bend the ball with heavy topspin. I don't suggest that personally, because over using the wrist could cause injury.
@@TotalTennisDomination Thanks for the reply, it helps. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is how stiff the wrist is throughout the stroke and at contact. My best analogy would be: is it a noodle? With a noodle wrist, the racquet is slung at the ball (great description, thanks!) but not by the wrist but by the arm accelerating forward and the wrist and racquet just come along for the ride loosely and naturally, kind of like the end of a whip just follows wherever the handle has whipped it. Hope this makes sense 🙃
I would suggest you to test different wrist loose levels. Maybe go for around 100 shots or more on each level and when you feel that you are comfortable(have that efortless feeling) and satisfied with the speed, spin and control of the ball then feel free to use that level.
I've always thought Andy Murray's forehand technique was suspect and probably one of the reasons he's had such bad hip problems. He tends to fall backwards onto his hip and make it more of an arm shot. His contact point also probably could be a bit more forward.
It looks like you hold the forehand grip with your pinky off the racquet. For real or is it an optical illusion? How far down or choked up are you on fh?
Related to looseness, I found that thinking about 'LETTING the racquet tip go helps me stay loose and have proper mechanics--together with breathing out long and slow on the swing. focusing on the image of letting the tip swing away / fly away...
lol... I have my entire hand on the racquet.
Yes to 2 hander backhand
Yes you can get faster racquet head speed using a whipping hinge especially on a slow ball to hit it flat. Once the ball starts having serious momentum and you’re brushing up on the ball to control it the vectors shift and a twisting force on the racquet at impact makes you tighten up naturally. Pros don’t get massive forearm strength by holding the racquet 3/10. Watch a pro hitting 15 feet from you. I guarantee you’ll see them holding the racquet atleast 7/10. It’s a firm grip staring 6” before impact and loose arms that’s the real “secret”.
I agree that sometimes you may have to add a little bit more tension, but if you watch the video I link below while Rogers hitting the ball, you can clearly see that he is not squeezing the racket to death, because if so, the racquet would not spin around in his hand like it does. thanks for the comment. th-cam.com/video/TViGEogv3rc/w-d-xo.html
2 handed backhand please!!
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
Yes please 2 handed backhand 👍
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
2 handed backhand please
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
backhande video needed
Backhand please!
2nd and I needed to hear and see this!
I have lost the past 3 matches I've played because I am so tight.
😂😂😂 I am the very first person watching this very valuable tip video. Thank you 😊 Yesterday I was trying to explain how to hit with a loose relax hand to a friend. He was very stiff and tight in his wrist arms and shoulder. I am scared 😱 Has google TH-cam started reading our brain thoughts 💭? 😂😂 (It shows 3 thumbs up 👍 but also it says no views, is not that weird?)
Yes 2hBH
There are very players who can hit flat, which is jimmy connors.
jap, same video for twohanded backhand plz 🙂
Here's the link to the New two handed backhand video th-cam.com/video/ykYEcvRfbQQ/w-d-xo.html
good lesson, clear and concise. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!