Racket Butt Forward for Topspin, Power Forehand

[@bournejason66]

Thanks Lisa. It’s very clear now. One thing worth mentioning is the wrist needs to be in a laid back position until pass contact. You mentioned that in another video I believe. A debate I see on YT is whether or not pros like Federer intentionally roll their wrist prior to contact to add more spins. What’s your take on that?

[@TheTotalServe]

yes, again, generally speaking the racket head is about even with the hand at contact. If the ball is being hit sharply cross court then it is marginally in front of the hand. If you are hitting inside out then it is marginally behind but that is really only because of the orientation to the ball. as for Federer this is my opinion: I think he is just so talented that he does what he does and it works for him. I'm not sure it's worth a debate:) Whatever he does is with intention but also driven by pure talent and athleticism far beyond anything that you or I can fathom.

[@poida007]

Hi Lisa. Can you make a side video of the forward swing and wrist position so we can see this natural “roll” ? It seems that with a roll the ball will go into the ground from the front perspective. It’s also hard to see how the bicep and forearm work to pass the racket ahead of the hand from a front view.

[@jackquinnes]

Ehm..what?! It's called wrist lag and it is quite easily and naturally achieved with the eastern FH grip. Actually further you go toward western grip less it will be a bona fide wrist lag but rather an ELBOW lag, typically a double bend elbow lag forehand.

[@TheTotalServe]

Hi Jack. Thanks for the comments and I agree. I think you are taking this to a much more technical level than intended. I’m not talking about the difference between wrist lag or elbow lag or I’m simply trying to give beginners the concept of getting the butt forward. I mentioned continental being difficult because it is. All other grips are doable and some you have more elbow bend. Often terminology like wrist lag means nothing to players. I was merely trying to be very general about why the butt forward is necessary