Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Tennis Forehand Return

Tennis Forehand Return

A return stroke is tennis's second most important stroke (after the serve).

1.    Grip
a.    Use Eastern Forehand (3) or Semi-Western (4), with index knuckle on bevel (3) or (4)
2.    Preparation (before incoming ball bounces)
a.    Once the server's ball has been launched, one should creep toward the best position and do a split step before hitting the ball
b.    Prepare for the stroke early: yell "forehand" or "backhand" and get ready right away
c.    For fast incoming balls, use the Open Stance (no time for the Closed Stance)
d.    In Open Stance, load up the right leg (70% right, 30% left), right food pointing 90 degrees.
e.    Setup left arm and right arm in the "L" position. The left arm should move the right arm into the correct position. The left arm tracks the ball. The right arm should move half the distance of a standard forehand drive (to minimize lag) - there is no time for a full forehand backswing!
f.   You should visualize the height and direction of the returned ball. Aim for the opponent's baseline (to avoid the opponent volleying the ball back)
3.    Forehand Return (Blocking Stroke)
a.   When the incoming ball bounces, breathe in and start the forehand stroke
b.   Be sure to accelerate gradually (not suddenly) and build up maximum racket speed when about to hit the ball. You may need to initiate strokes earlier than you're used to. Making the noise of "vrrrooooom" will help you to achieve this new timing.
c.   Meet the ball with the right arm slightly bent at waist level (the ball should be 1-1.5 feet in front of your body) while breathing out
4.    Completion
a.    The chest should be facing forward on completion
b.    Finish the stroke with the right arm near the shoulder and elbow pointed at the opponent 
c.    Move your head to observe the ball's travel
5.    Refinement
a.    Rock between left and right foot to a rhythm (like Roger Federer)
b.    Split-stepping is extremely important to allow one to quickly move laterally
c.    According to Jorge Capestany, it is essential to start creeping forward to maintain forward momentum while waiting for a serve.
i. Once the server's ball has been launched, one should move toward the best position and do a split step before hitting the ball
ii. Prepare for the stroke early: yell forehand or backhand and get ready right away
d.    According to Ian, there are 3 types of returns possible:
i. For big serves, tap it in (defensive response). There is no time for the backswing. Just try to meet the ball with your racket.
ii. For medium serves, guiding the ball with a drive (defensive response). Use a shortened backswing for both forehand and backhand
iii. For weak serves, hit the ball like a groundstroke (offensive response)

Return Tips
1.    During a return, hold both hands together on the racket, open up immediately
1.    Mistake 1: Getting Too Jammed (getting too close to the ball)
a. Keep your hips facing the net more (don't turn sideways)
b. Come out of your slip step, and step to the side
c. Keep moving to the side after ball contact (and as you swing)
d. Step back 1-2 feet from the baseline (if too close)
2.    Mistake 2: You're Late on Your Return
a.  Why?
i. Not making a good first move to the ball
ii.  Not finishing correctly
iii.  When you're late, you will be more reactive than proactive
.  Solution:
i.  Take your quick first move; by the time the ball crosses the net
ii.  Hold the racket pointing down
iii.  Prepare the racket early
iv.  Step into the ball
v.  Finish with your hands in front (catch your racket with your free hand)
3.    Mistake 3: You're Miss-hitting Too Many Returns
a. Why?
i.  Not using your body efficiently
ii.  You are over-rotating on your forehand or backhand
iii.  Bringing the racket down too fast after the swing
b  Solution:
i.  Do not over-rotate into the shot
ii.  Keep the body more stable and sideways
iii. Hold the finish
iv.  Rotate less
4.    Mistake 4: You're Not Aiming the Right Way
a.  Why?
i.  No specific target identified
b.  Solution:
i.  Aim for Deep down the middle to your opponent's weaker side
ii.  Aim for your opponent's feet!


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