Forehand Timing | Why Taking the Racquet Back Early Will Cause You to be Late

[@IntuitiveTennis]

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[@kondor99999]

This totally fixed my forehand and suddenly I am very consistent - just by waiting until the ball bounces to do my take-back. Please do 2-handed backhands next! Subscribed!!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Will do

[@FactorUrban]

​@@IntuitiveTennis is the backhand video already done? could you pleas attach it here? this one is actually helped me improve my forehand to a next level. Thank you !!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

@@FactorUrban kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaXMYXtonbFpqtUsi=8bDpRpfFSuge4Uyo

[@Avlys101]

Brilliant tip - I used to do this mistake as well because it made more sense to go back early but you have explained it very well. Great job coach.

[@mimiccello7769]

The most important tennis lesson I have ever learned!

[@NStewF]

Just to echo a lot of other comments, this advice has been a real game changer for me. I’ve typically been late on hard hit balls to the forehand - a real problem especially in doubles. Hands on the side instead of in front has really helped get to the contact point so much better. Thanks again, Nik!

[@1114gabby]

good point. I think people confuse the shoulder turn and the take back. This makes sit clear.

[@iitruevibeii]

How is it that I was just watching about timing and then you go and produce this gem? Thank you. Honestly one of the best YT coaches hands down.

[@v.o.7339]

I tried this 'drill' on myself (NTRP ~4.0) and my son (total beginner) and recorded it. I can see right way our groundstrokes looks smoother for both of us. It feels like I have more time to execute the strokes without rushing - great drill - thank you!

[@machikr]

This great point may sound counter-intuitive but is so true. One way to think this is to regard the takeback and the swing as one continuous, fluid motion. The entire motion forms one big loop and your swing properly benefits from the momentum generated by the takeback. However, if you takeback and wait, you are in effect breaking takeback and swing into two separate motions. As the pause breaks the loop, your swing would have to start from scratch, unable to benefit from the momentum generated by the earlier backswing.

[@svetlanahaefliger9712]

Well my first tennis lesson in Novi Sad 17 years ago was a complete opposite 😢 I've been constantly told to prepare early and then hit the ball. I am happy to see these videos. Great lesson! Thanks a lot. Svetlana

[@yaozhang6110]

I think the prepare early means to turn your body early, not do the back swing early

[@johnsmith-ls4rc]

I now realise I was making this exact fault yesterday. The worse my forehand, the earlier I was taking the racquet back to try and give myself 'more time' to fix the problem - it got worse ! I have had some coaching in the past, but didn't really know the difference between the ready position (at the side) and the full take back. Thank you for sharing this tip.

[@Juoa794]

That’s Gold. Thank you so much for your generosity in making this content avalilable.

[@TikiCat3]

You always have excellent "fine-tuning" tips, Nik. Small shifts in timing, balance, position, and body mechanics can make all the difference! Thanks!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙏

[@hwangseungmin6413]

Hello! I tried incorporating these tips last night, and the results were amazing! My forehand felt natural and was a lot more consistent. My timing felt rhythmic. I also didn't miss low, shotrt balls by utilizing the small "hop" technique from one of your other videos. Your coaching really helped and your explanations are clear and easy to follow. Thank you for making these videos!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Glad to hear that

[@abujabi]

This fixed my inconsistent spraying forehand! Can you do a similar one for timing the one handed backhand?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Yes

[@weidongren3741]

@@IntuitiveTennis waiting with bench set.

[@ronswanson6252]

+1 for the one handed backhand

[@M18S18]

Great point. Would love to see one-handed BH similar guide!

[@darivab]

I was getting frustrated with my forehand and I didn't know what was wrong with it. Now I know. Thank you so much!!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Glad to hear it!

[@abhishekbarot6716]

Just changed my forehand 3 days back and began taking racket back early. Thank you for this timely video.

[@tuckerstevens9689]

Great videos. I hope you get as big as Feel Tennis. The videos are straightforward and easy to follow. Samo napred imenjace!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Hvala Nikola 👍👍

[@tomatrix7525]

This is actually really helpul and I can tetsify that the simple tip has helped my game. It’s one of those things that anyone can apply and has a huge benefit. The confusing part is that there is a lot of mixed opinions about forehand setup. A previous coach told me to do exactly what you said not to, and despite it feeling awkward I did it. He’s the coach right? Now I’ve figured the suits me best and I’ll stick to it

[@jodunkley3452]

Got into this bad habit a while back, it not only hurts your timing it can really hurt your elbow too!! Great video ....as usual x

[@telquel7843]

I was wondering the other day why my forehand was misshitting more than usual and this is totally it. Somehow, maybe because of fatigue, I began to set up too early and this was robbing some power but more importantly kept making me hit late. Great advice!

[@LFGM24]

Glad I found this. I was struggling to even make good contact with my forehand. I grew up playing sports and I played baseball and golf, yet I couldn’t hit a forehand. Funny thing is my one handed backhand is better than my forehand. But after this video I think I found what I was doing wrong. Because of my terrible timing I couldn’t create proper spacing. I can’t wait to practice tomorrow. I think it’s gonna work. Thanks

[@wangte27]

This is me too! This video helped my consistency tremendously

[@olafsrensen9578]

super great explanation.Prepair early Turn your body with two hands on the racket and then turn forward after bounce.Might juse the bouch hit drill.Great coach .for acceleraton the right way.

[@tisadas4]

I'm a player from way back. My family wants to learn so I'm teaching them. So much has changed/improved. I feel like a beginner again. Can't wait to go out and show then this.

[@alexandre5604]

Amazing! Im about 4.0 (Canada, QC). I saw so many videos about forehands and i think yours are really the best. Thank you!!

[@jacobg8661]

Simply moving my forehand preperation position high and to the side has eliminated 90% of my forehand errors, I feel like I gained 1.0 utr overnight, thank you!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙌🙌

[@lavanchung9428]

That is great. This is what I am practicing these days with early preparation and then may use your drill to prevent to be too earlier.

[@jersonliu]

Nice explanation. I need to go back to check my playing videos and see if I have this problem.

[@stelliumX5]

Not a tennis player but I love the game and hope to become a youth trainer of tennis players and this makes so much sense.

[@niceboomer]

Goooooood video. A no loop (or short loop) forehand creates many problems for me. Now I know why. Thanks Nik ;)

[@cdfchung]

Sounds simple, but to me most recreational players (including myself) have the similar timing issue and hence the racquet gets stuck at times. Great tips!

[@PWfrom92807]

Thanks for this tip. I do this on slow second serve returns which often results in overhitting the return!

[@bernardoromo4997]

Excellent explanation. This is exactly why my daughter was consistently hitting the ball late. Love the fluid position vs fix position explanation

[@waciesl]

Thank You! I've improved my forehand timing a lot by doing it right. I've noticed this a while ago by watching pro players on tour, but this video explained it for me in great detail.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

👍👍

[@knotwilg3596]

Easily the best tennis instructor on tube. BTW I have noticed a major improvement since 2018 on the breathing technique when giving vocal instructions. You don't have to answer this but I do wonder if this has come naturally or is it the result of a deliberate effort, even guided training?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

I have a breathing video coming out next week...

[@jodunkley3452]

@@IntuitiveTennis looking forward to that!

[@dunntamack]

What a wonderful piece of insight that is hard to discover on your own! Thanks

[@harshagrawal379]

You are an excellent coach! Because of these lessons, I am learning much faster than others in my academy. Thanks a lot!

[@erensungur4552]

Very very good lesson !! I havent seen a video about this problem anywhere.I was thinking change my grip from semiwestern to eastern ,but I must fix this problem.

[@Marek333MM]

Dear Nikola, you are unique coach. You are the only one, who gives so great tips for high level tennis. Thanks a lot!!!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙏🙏

[@ricardoandrade92]

Nice tip, Nick! Indeed, is very strange runnig with the arm on the back side...

[@fabiozapletal_FZ4U]

Once again such an excellent lesson. Clearly explained. Congratulations Nik 👏🏻💪🎾

[@hech7]

Great video! I will try this for sure! I think I have exactly this problem with too early opening with forehand. Odličan video Nick!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Hvala Gordane

[@lukeraymond9]

This is such an important lesson which doesn’t get mentioned enough. I have found that correct timing helps with a lot of other factors such as generating lag and topspin

[@ammmmmmo]

Thank you so much! I was always late on my forehand and I didn’t know why. I thought I was early in my setup.

[@cameluza777]

Love it . So so happy to find your Channel .. how you explain is so great .

[@arjunmehta2853]

Thank you, i really suck at backswing, but i can slowly start to understand how it works.

[@babsdurso]

As always, another excellent video from Intuitive Tennis. Thank you!

[@megt6151]

I was always confused about this. Thanks for your amazing teaching!

[@joaobittar5922]

Very good tips, thank you very much! That's my problem, i didn't knew before...

[@JoostPTM]

This helped a lot! Picked up tennis again after 10 years and my technic was rusty and my forehand improved

[@mirianbauto6023]

At first glance, it doesn't make sense. But a thorough perusal with application proves your assertion is true and correct. Congratulations!!!!

[@bastienlauer8396]

Awesome video, exactly what i needed. In practice I'm usualy hitting my forehand very well and when I'm doing a match it falls apart. I believe it happens because in a match i tend to panic and I prepare too early, when you demonstrated the "early takeback" I instantly related to it (I wouldn't have noticed this was my problem without seeing it)! Looking forward to work on that issue. Thank you very much Nikola !!

[@LetsBuildThatApp]

The metaphor I see in my head is to imagine punching someone. In order to get full power and control, you're going to start your arm from an uncocked position so that loading up power is easy. Imagine going into a fight with your arm already taken back, people will look at you crazy.

[@AxRayVizion]

Last sentence is underrated.

[@jeremywhite6901]

Not only will a fighter "look at you crazy," you'll get K.O.ed -- telegraphing a punch gets you knocked out! But hey? Check out these REAL BBK guys? They've got a "drop shot" with MAXXED OUT POWER and there's virtually NO TAKING THE RACKET BACK!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4uon6pjbal6rpI

[@seanriley758]

the worst way to throw a punch is to pull back at all. you'll get knocked out fast

[@JohnDoe-dp4kx]

Excellent channel! one of the best IMO on youtube. keep it upt! thanks again

[@haosun8199]

Very useful and answered my longtime doubt about timing, great video thanks!

[@dcsurgery]

Never realized this was a problem. Tks! Could u do a video on how to hit the sharp angled cross court?

[@julienriegel8246]

Can’t wait to try tomorrow. Getting back into tennis after 10 years, I know my timing is wrong on my forehand but I can’t figure out how do fix it and get better more consistently. I’ve tried focusing on watching the ball longer, and hitting the ball sooner, but I haven’t actually thought about my position and the position of my racket relative to the body and when to bring my arm back. I will try tomorrow! Thanks boss

[@izhamsham843]

Same. I got back on the tennis court two weeks ago after only playing max 10 times since year 2000, so 20 years off? I played almost daily before that & play at a competitive level, so I was expecting quite a bit of rust but didn't expect it would be that bad. Timing was off for everything, especially my one handed backhand which was my main weapon back then. Hope to get in the groove sooner rather than later. Wishing you all the best in your game also, mate!

[@M18S18]

It actually solves my dilemma 'early preparation vs. stiffness with the hit move'. Great and very rational explanation. Thanks, Nik!))

[@kakakazcan]

Thanks a lot !! Great explanation !!

[@andres5823]

You have no idea how much I needed this.

[@kamelismael5159]

Sir Nikola .. You’re an absolute incredible, You’ve taught me a lot. Thank you so much for your easy trainings breakdowns

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Thank you Kamel

[@AlexandraZavitsanou]

This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much 🙏🙏. Subscribed

[@JR-jl9ut]

Great video. Thanks. This is an important detail that I wasn't aware of.

[@bn6942]

Excellent. Coach! you taught me a good lesson and I would like to say thanks to you

[@astorina]

Very good advise , it is so counter intuitive but will work when I try , I am sure It is exactly as golf swing rules

[@superdesultory]

I've heard from another youtube channel that move between the ready position and the racket take back referred to as the "unit turn", i.e., when you turn you shoulders, hips, and in turn these bring your racket to your side, but not releasing the racket into the full swing motion

[@rsmith02]

Same thing, it's pre-swing prep

[@oabsripradist6642]

Lucky me to have found you! You are really the best instructor. Thank you so much Nikola!

[@mikAz121]

This is such a good advice. It really helped with my forehand consistency

[@emarong]

Excellent teaching course. Very appreciate. Top teaching course

[@alexanderloi5194]

Thanks for this tip, it does help my forehands to have an earlier contact point

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Excellent!

[@aryusure1943]

And the position of the racket in the preparation is aligned with your recommandation (in another video) to the "rec" players to avoid copying Federer's forehand who's racket face is parallel to the ground before he hits the ball. Not for everyone as I experienced yesterday when I tried that. I was suddenly all mixed up in my movements. :( Great video! I'll stick to the basics you clearly explained in this clip and forget about emulating Roger's beautiful forehand. I recommand that your viewers watch your video about the risks of trying to imitate Roger's technique. ;)

[@youguess8979]

very very helpful video sir. Thanks. great.

[@ericlim8270]

Great tip can you please advise what I should do for a double handed backhand in the same situation

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Sure 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaXMYXtonbFpqtU

[@tonybricktua6002]

Great tip! Is this applicable to the two-handed backhand and, if yes, how would you do it in regard to timing? Thanks Nick.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

I’ll make a separate video on the BH...

[@weidongren3741]

I wish I knew this 10 years ago!

[@danielcolorado1040]

What a nice channel you have! Very useful tips. Thank you!

[@wlouisharris]

great video and good points on acceleration. I was taking it back too early and finally realized this was wrong. Edit - I keep re-watching this video and telling my friends to watch it. I think this is a major point where intermediate players like myself really falter on the forehand. You see good players than don't use this technique but I keep realizing they are just not going to see their full potential until they use it.

[@hi_vince]

4.0 now, puzzled by timing, often taking balls too early; this was so subtle and it really helped me

[@aldakyudha4824]

Thank you, this is really fix my forehand. Really thanks.

[@RocketMan-zc9jr]

this is fantastic coaching. amazing. 10/10. I think the same and its been confirm by this video.

[@davidlever3107]

Another GREAT video. Thanks

[@soumik-bumbabose1551]

Very useful Video. Most of the students are hitting the ball in wrong direction that you are showing. It's very difficult to understand them why should hit the ball with perfect direction that you are showing also. I am a trainer of Malda Club, Malda, West Bengal, INDIA. Your Video will help me. Thanking you.

[@silverarrow7849]

Great video ! Best tennis channel on KZbin ! Any plans to do a video on how to manage low short balls ?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Will do it soon

[@ottisgrazette3018]

That is the loading position for the skill on the forehand before acceleration for the technique for what we should be teaching all students.

[@HerrJoehnke]

Mind. Blown. Great video!!!

[@jamesj590]

I 100% do this. I cant wait to get back tothe court to test this out!

[@akaebbassouan4979]

Détails très appréciables on ne finit jamais d'apprendre Thank U

[@MrThedrphil]

This video saved my forehand! Thanks!

[@reesejiang4872]

This is exactly what I am struggling with. thank you sir

[@AlexanderMayorov]

Thanks for a very important video, because timing is everything, thanks for analysis, explanation and advice

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙏

[@somevino1048]

So true. Just like when throwing, elbow should stay a bit up and at right side of body and forearm and hand should only move back behind elbow as elbow initiates forward swing. If the arm stretches out back before elbow starts moving fwd things get difficult ...

[@sergiolenarduzzi4670]

I teach my students the same thing.. keep the raquet insight.

[@K4R3N]

Such a key fundamental lesson!👍

[@miketang7533]

Great tip 👍 Does that apply to one handed backhand also? Thank you 🙏

[@IntuitiveTennis]

I’ll make separate vids on BH’s...

[@jeanb.3493]

This is a really great point. Ime, if you do initiate a proper unit turn, and get into the correct position as you allude, if you then separate left arm and right/racket arm early, it's most often a case of not loading the legs properly, and thus not firing the muscles from the ground up. This is, at least to me, a simple concept to understand, but difficult to implement. So, if you get into the correct position after unit turn, you should focus loading the legs and coiling the upper body, as these are the main big muscles you will need to fire, from ground up. By doing this, you don't need to focus on getting the racket more back or accelerating it beyond what feels natural.

[@HAMYCAMY]

I think you mention the basic mistake which every beginner do it wrong . Thanks 👍 will correct that and will work on it .I was doing this mistake for very long time . Putting my racquet in back position for long time ... Thanks thanks.

[@mariovella398]

Great piece of advice, THANKS

[@alexandern4140]

great video, thanks very much

[@mirianbauto6023]

To serious tennis players like me still struggling with timing on the forehand, this tip from Nik should end all your/our frustrations. Just be positive, go and give it a try. I agree, from another comment, Steffi Graf is a good model on how it is done. Amazing!!! If I saw this tip 36 years ago I should have amassed a good number of trophies by now. Seriously.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙏

[@feniavandenbrande762]

I tried this yesterday and wauw! Still have to practice on finishing the stroke, but for the first time I felt some control and I wasn't overthinking 🎉

[@MathsMadeEasyDabas]

Your lesson are really logical and helping for me 👏👏👏

[@ahnfarhan1986]

Thanks for the tips. Really appreciate it.