TENNIS FOREHAND | How To Get More Power On Forehand

[@TennisEvolution]

Forehand myths debunked: Former Top 100 ATP Pro, Jeff Salzenstein, is exposing 3 common myths that could be crippling your forehands potential. Most players make at least 1 of these 3 mistakes... Do you? goo.gl/HUkY4B Want to improve your tennis anywhere and on the go? How about getting a free tennis course including powerful lessons on the serve. If you’re on a mobile device in the US or Canada, you can tap to the text here to get a FREE Tennis Course in the Tennis Evolution APP from Former Top 100 ATP Pro, Jeff Salzenstein. bit.ly/2KIQksP You can text KZbin to 720-730-2090 to get the FREE tennis course inside the Tennis Evolution APP. If you’re not on a mobile device or are outside the US and Canada, you can click this link to get a free Tennis Course inside the Tennis Evolution APP. bit.ly/2FlFh5i

[@jackquinnes]

Jeff Salzenstein - a class act. Always a pleasure to watch your concise, competent and well-argued tutorials.

[@durich1000]

skip the rock, Jeff that is one of the best analogies I've come across, thanks for sharing this simple but powerful tip, it's spot on, that's what it is!

[@TennisEvolution]

durich1000 thank you ! Really appreciate it:)

[@vt68041]

BEST VIDEO EVER ON FOREHAND .....THIS IS MOSTLY EVERYTHING .

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you Varun! Appreciate your comment.

[@hypersailor]

another excellent Jeff video...simple real world steps that put more enjoyment in your strokes. I write down Jeff's tips on a 4x6 card, just to have a reminder as in a match you tend to focus on your partner. With Jeff's tips working I took the first set and didn't strain my arm. Finished the match, found a high wall on the ride home and grooved in an even higher topspin stroke, slowing it down, counting out exactly what Jeff says you'll 'feel'. I've played for over 40yrs and Jeff's tips are worth slowing down the video and getting more power without killing your arm.

[@TennisEvolution]

Awesome John! Thank you for sharing. Love your passion and commitment for our game. Jeff.

[@fantolaus]

"Skip the rock" is gonna be my new mantra together with "Elbow the enemy" for the serve...you're awesome, Jeff

[@TennisEvolution]

Thanks Fantolaus! Glad you liked it! When you are ready to level up your tennis, click here goo.gl/HUkY4B We also have the app that you can download for free courses access. Click here to register >>> tennisevolutionapp.com/register/ 🎾💥🎾💥

[@chessbrilliance8783]

Great tips but you should show with a camera on your back the gain of speed with the technique you are advocating. Since there is as many different forhand as the number of top players in the tour, sometimes it is very confusing.

[@alexc.1112]

Wow, I tried this on my forehand yesterday and it worked really well. I got more power and depth consistently with seemingly less effort! Thanks Jeff!

[@1114gabby]

Great stuff here. Just saw Rick Mack talking about relaxation too. Several gold nuggets here. Thanks Jeff

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you for watching James! I appreciate your feedback. What other type of videos you'd like to see from me in the near future? Get access to a free course inside our Tennis Evolution app including lessons to improve your forehand. This is like having a coach in your pocket when you’re on court. Click here to register tennisevolutionapp.com/register/

[@denio93]

My tennis buddy beats me every weekend. Told me last Saturday he watches your videos. Stop helping him out so much!😁

[@goldwolf0606]

I don't even know what a eastern or western grip is....but I completely agree with all your other points: the spacing, the relaxing, and the positioning. And I really love your skip analogy because it's spot on. My taekwondo instructor taught me to kick like a whip, WHA-TISH!!! Swinging a racquet for maximum power is the same centripetal forceful motion. The grip... you really have to change the grip depending on what you want to do with the shot. Tennis is so complex, there's so much more to consider in a shot as "simple" as the forehand. There's your footwork to get your body in the right position for the direction you want to hit it, there's the height of the ball as it's coming to you, there's the spin of the ball coming towards you, there's down the line vs cross court, there's trying to hit an an outright winner vs setting up an easy winner vs making your opponent run vs preparing for approach, there's how much topspin you want to throw on your opponent to vary the depth... the grip has to Change in each of these situations to optimize the power.

[@zabdielespejel6336]

Phenomenal video. I was actually wondering why I was hitting so hard and wasn't getting enough speed. Relaxation is soooooo crucial. And your analogy was the best I've heard at explaining the lag and snap. I would like an explanation on why you say the grip on bevel 4 has higher power than that of 3. I always thought you required more muscling of the ball due to the more closed angle in comparison bevel 3.

[@TennisEvolution]

Zabdiel Espejel thank you! Happy it helped :).

[@nilswatenphul5165]

An absolutely fantastic summary of power maximization. Thank you for this brilliant advice!

[@TennisEvolution]

Nils Watenphul thank you so much. Please share this video with others

[@olcaytokeskinkan]

Hi Jeff, Skipping the rock idea is very usefull I think. However, two of the things I'm most curious about in your shots are: 1) Do you choose a target on the ball when it comes towards you? I mean where do you hit the ball 2) In Baseline, how much percentage do you drive when you hit the ball? Thank you in advance.

[@TennisEvolution]

Hi Olcayto, thanks for your comment. Yes, I choose a target on the ball; I usually aim between the service line and the baseline. I drive the ball over 50% of the time.

[@olcaytokeskinkan]

I think my English is so bad, Jeff. I mean, which part of the ball do you hit? Sorry for I've exhausted you.

[@TooleyPeter]

Your attention to detail is awesome. Sets you apart from typical KZbin coaches.

[@TennisEvolution]

TooleyPeter thank you!

[@tonycosta5802]

Great tutorial with emphasis on l ooseness of grip. Learned a lot. Thanks, Jeff!

[@TennisEvolution]

Tony Costa awesome 😎. Love to hear it !

[@cristim5620]

thank you. I`ll come back often to refresh my memory with these excellent tips.

[@TennisEvolution]

Cristi m awesome! Please do:)

[@RobWirz]

Awesome tips! I very much enjoy all your videos.

[@karadale5219]

This video made me happy as I had also discovered this skipping the rock thing by myself while I was thinking about the serve and forehand similarities in terms of throwing motion. It especially works with semiwestern grip as you lead with the heel pad of hand during forward swing just like the rock skipping motion.

[@tavomagno5]

Hi Jeff any analogy to better understand the backhand swing move feeling?? .. thanks

[@rexlawrence5790]

Jeff, Your instruction is excellent! I've watch hundreds of videos and taken lessons across the country, and your videos here are some of the best. So when are you instructing in California? I'd love to take some lessons!

[@TennisEvolution]

Rex Lawrence wow! Thank you :). Where do you live ?

[@TennisEvolution]

Rex Lawrence email me at [e-mail] if you want to connect :)

[@poida007]

Good video Jeff, how do you stop players from snapping the wrist too much, breaking or flexing the wrist and losing control and power?

[@lcervantes8505]

Great analogy. This works. I've come today to 2 realizations. Watching Fed today, noticed he leaves his feet, freeing up his range of motion, on his forehand inside out. Produces big power. Like Struff, he also finishes with his hips approximately square to the baseline. Just saying.

[@TennisEvolution]

L Cervantes awesome 👏🏻

[@mate886]

Brilliant video! 👏I think Rublev has forehand similar to that you have showed, especially position of the tip of the racquet. I like it. 👍Thank you, you have helped me so much. God bless you.

[@TennisEvolution]

You are welcome Mateo! Thank you for watching and sharing such a nice comment. I appreciate it. Jeff.

[@Nanneson]

I'm so thankful for your videos! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@TennisEvolution]

Mr Sandman it's my pleasure :)

[@christopherlowe4129]

Great video and the "skip the rock" example is sooooo good! I wish I could take a lesson from you!

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you 😊. You can send in a video for analysis :)

[@LeJuste12]

Great Great video ! can't wait to test it on the court

[@TennisEvolution]

Haekz awesome! Let me know how it goes

[@chang5494]

Thank you very much. You’re coaching. Very nice and detail... tomorrow I will practice to follow your coaching. See you next time👍

[@TennisEvolution]

You are very welcome. Pleasure to help you! Let me know how it goes

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Eastern allows more power. Harder to control though. SW lets you hit without too much worry over spraying out. As it naturally gives more dip. Therefore hitting with power with confidence. Eastern could on the other hand give too much power and not enough dip. Due harder to control racquet face and spin/windshield wiper/Low-to-high motion

[@TennisEvolution]

Thanks for watching Jorge, I appreciate your valuable input. What other type of videos you'd like to see from me in the near future? Get access to a free course inside our Tennis Evolution app including lessons to improve your forehand. This is like having a coach in your pocket when you’re on court. Click here to register tennisevolutionapp.com/register/

[@2muchdeano]

Loose grip is a great tip. The grip with tighten naturally right before contact without you noticing. For those students who are afraid of loosing the racquet with a loose grip , that’s good for them to know.

[@m.woodslee7655]

Great explain!!! for forehand grip.

[@paulbarlow7387]

Jeff thanks for making this fantastic video - all the kinetic chain elements superbly explained. Like the others have highlighted the analogy of skipping a pebble really nails the undsrstanding. I still think the eastern grip is more powerful though or the modern eastern! 😊

[@TennisEvolution]

Paul Barlow thank you !

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

I would add that the backhand is similar to throwing a frisbee - and you don't need a Popeye forearm to throw a frisbee far - just good technique and fluid arm action.

[@shafi0911]

Hey Jeff , thank you so much, your videos help me understand n improve my tennis much better. I have a question, how do I deal with balls coming into my body? I have a problem returning heavy spinning balls that comes in to my body, n also when the opponent serves into my body.

[@TennisEvolution]

Ahmed Shafi the correct footwork is key

[@shafi0911]

Tennis Evolution okay Jeff, will work on it. Thank you ! :)

[@TennisEvolution]

Ahmed Shafi awesome !

[@HarveyLeeAo]

Thank you for your coaching Jeff. It helps me a lot.

[@claudioprado389]

OK you got more power hitting like that like a whip action but how do I get control of that power? I would like your advice.

[@lonevoyager6026]

Jeff, what do you mean by heel of the hand off the racket?

[@rachlchtidusud720]

In France no video by great coach like you. I can t translated in French😤 I did not understand everything for the grip ... but You r top 👍👍👍

[@TennisEvolution]

rach'l De Nice thank you!

[@mansour777777]

Thanks for your great tips, My question is about tennis balls that you recommend to use in drills(Pressurized balls or Pressure-less balls)?

[@TennisEvolution]

Tennis Coach regular balls today match conditions

[@elmac2127]

Do you snap the wrist if so when and in what direction. Is it a brush up. EM

[@dm7170]

Good points. we see it regularly at recreational level, the insufficient space and tension combining for diminished velocity. Passing it on - but not to rivals 😄

[@TennisEvolution]

david mccrea thank you:). Please do

[@weyman4317]

Great information well presented and easy to understand

[@TennisEvolution]

Wey Man thank you !

[@pr4nk5tr]

Thinking about stretch or coil between upper and lower body on the forehand is counter productive IMO, recipe for hitting late.

[@TennisEvolution]

pr4nk5tr yes. It happens to fast

[@pr4nk5tr]

Tennis Evolution That being said I find it helpful to maximise the coil on the forward swing, which happens as a result of moving forward aggressively whilst standing wide and low. With a wide base I can also engage my core much more.

[@hankkimmel5801]

Jeff, when you have the point up, it looks it's slightly tilted toward the net. Am I correct to presume that's intentional to get more snap into the shot?

[@lalameinc]

All great points for power, but when I hit with the skip the rock motion I tend to hit a flatter more powerful ball as well. This shot still a very good weapon, but how do I get more spin on the ball with the same technique? Thanks!

[@TennisEvolution]

Thanks Glen! Glad you liked it! When you are ready to level up your tennis, click here goo.gl/HUkY4B We also have the app that you can download for free courses access. Click here to register >>> tennisevolutionapp.com/register/ 🎾💥🎾💥

[@franciscoley2421]

You are awesome for putting these tips up. THANK YOU!

[@TennisEvolution]

Francisco Ley my pleasure :)

[@vnminotaur]

awesome video. I just want to add for the backhand, Novak tries to keep his left shoulder high to make the rhythm you are talking about. It may be higher than anyone's on the tour.

[@TennisEvolution]

Anh Tuan I don’t know what you mean

[@vnminotaur]

@@TennisEvolutionI am sorry that I didn't make myself clear. Novak Djokovic prepares for the backhand, he keeps the right shoulder very low and the left shoulder high to make the loop natural and effective.

[@rbutthamilton]

Hi Jeff, I’m a bit confused bcos of other online tips. Skipping the rock is different to turning the door knob. Is the latter analogy incorrect which is taught by other coaches?

[@TennisEvolution]

Rb I don’t talk about turning the door knob. It’s a different concept than what I am discussing

[@mtgne5351]

Thanks, it was very enlightening video!

[@TennisEvolution]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching. Jeff

[@eknazar]

Jeff When u skip the rock...do u think of hip?. Or. Left shoulder [we r all righty except u] So i try to move the hip and then use the lag to come up and hit...but that is hard on the run or tense match points. So r u saying dont think of hips or left shoulder and dont initiate with them first?

[@TennisEvolution]

Siby Varghese I focus on the hand :)

[@eknazar]

Tennis Evolution maybe hips r automatic for u....for tbe lag to happen....hips..or shoulder has to go first...i am still trying these techniques...i will try skip the rock today

[@aniketpatel2599]

Jeff,, I am coaching in india and as I am following your channel ,, it is very useful for me to improve myself as tennis coach and it is more helpful to my players. sometimes I am having trouble with players to make them keep proper distance to play forehand , backhand, during the rally. i am working on it with some drills. they are able to keep distance in drills but in rally they struggling to hit the ball from proper distance. if you can give some suggestions on it , it will be very helpful for me.

[@TennisEvolution]

Aniket Patel great to see you here. The correct first move will help !

[@aniketpatel2599]

Tennis Evolution thank you very much,, i will let you know after implementation on it.👍

[@Jackripster69]

Yah i was right! My forehand improved once i started thinking of it as skipping a rock. I actually mentioned to someone online to think of it as skipping a rock, i didnt know if it was correct or not because other than this video ive never heard to described that way, but thinking of it like that helped me. The serve is a throwing motion and the forehand is a side arm throw. I still have problems in a game however, particularly if people hit soft at me. Still lacking the confidence to hit through the ball. Ive just got myself a rebound net in the last week to work on it, ive seen massive improvement in control (power has never been an issue) with getting that trigger finger out there and mostly getting rid of tension in the hand. Tension tends to leave after 2 hours of hitting lol. Question remains, can i take it into a game? I guess its a matter of keep hitting until i know no other way, basically lock in the muscle memory.

[@TennisEvolution]

Jackripster yes keep going :)

[@Jackripster69]

Hi Jeff, on the skip the rock thing what do you think of Fognini's forehand as a prime example of it? Not that mine is in his league (yet ;) ), i tend to hit through flatter with a lower and abbreviated finish as he does (probably a squash thing), i think thats how i came to the skip the rock thing. Interesting for a pro he seems poor at the ball feed where im lucky to hit the side of a barn when feeding, ill tend to side arm slice the feed lol.

[@carlosalarcon2737]

relaxation is sooooo important in tennis

[@TennisEvolution]

Carlos Alarcon a master key 🔑. Please share the video with others

[@isrolympiad459]

Excellent coaching

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you Ashok! Jeff.

[@matheuscampaninimughrabi5933]

I have SW grip, but I think I spread the index finger way too much, it almost doesn’t go around the raquet grip at all. But it’s how I feel more loose and comfortable. Is that a big technical flaw that I should correct?

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you for watching Matheus. Yes, it could be a technical flaw that you should correct. What other types of lessons would you like to see from me in the near future? Jeff.

[@matheuscampaninimughrabi5933]

Tennis Evolution - Online Tennis Lessons, I would love to see a lesson that covers every shot and its ideal grip. I know that in general we can have a SW grip on the forehand and a continental grip for all other shots. But should I make any adjustments when hitting slices, 2handed-backhands and volleys? I mean, I know these shots are all “continental”, but should one have a stronger grip compared to the other? Would be awesome to see a vid that brings together all these minor details. Thanks from Brazil, Jeff!!

[@TennisEvolution]

@@matheuscampaninimughrabi5933 You have it right. Use the continental for these shots. Jeff.

[@reuelray]

Well mr. T E I would think that using the Eastern grip which as you say produces less rotation, will make the ball travel faster since there is less spin on it. A teaching pro I know who is a former collegiate and satellite player describe the semi Western grip as "the grip from hell". And so: Eastern grip; less spin flatter ball, mo ball speed. Semi Western grip,; mo spin, more atmosphere resistance, slower ball. Now the, "skip the Rock" movement is a real cool analogy, but it maketh me tink about de word 'phat'.

[@TennisEvolution]

Reuel Ray semi western or eastern can work

[@reuelray]

Tennis Evolution I think Federer uses an enhanced Eastern overgrip.

[@TennisEvolution]

Reuel Ray yes he does

[@grigolli9072]

Man great instruction always, anyone told you look a lot like David Nalbandian? :)

[@TennisEvolution]

Roberto G you are welcome :). When I had longer hair yes :)

[@laxraman5742]

Great video

[@TennisEvolution]

Lax Raman thank you!

[@farid1406]

Hey Jeff! Out of curiosity, did you use an eastern when you were playing pro, and did you ever play Pete Sampras? Thanks for the video, and keep up the great work!

[@TennisEvolution]

Farid Damasio I played with a semi western and I practiced with Pete twice

[@farid1406]

Wow to both! Was your semi-western considered unusual in the 90's? And you could probably make an amazing video just talking about your hitting sessions with Pete, or something you learned while hitting with him. Anyways, thanks again for the response and the tip.

[@TennisEvolution]

Farid Damasio semiwestern was common then:). I have a good Pete Sampras story. Will make a video

[@farid1406]

Wow, I didn't know that, but makes sense, since Agassi and I think Kafelnikov and Courier etc hit with versions of it. AWESOME! You earned a subscriber. I'll be eagerly awaiting that Pete vid

[@TennisEvolution]

Farid Damasio thank you! Good to have you here

[@dreamerPsp]

When I don't hold the racquet tight enough, I feel like my racquet is unstable and sometimes I even loose control of it a little bit when the racquet touches the ball. If I hold it tight, it hurts my hand after a while because of too much tension in the grip. How can I hold the racquet with the perfect amount of tension/relaxation?

[@TennisEvolution]

dreamerPsp keep working to find that balance

[@aniketpatel2599]

thanks for sharing Jeff

[@TennisEvolution]

Aniket Patel welcome!

[@royrodriguez1546]

Great lesson!

[@TennisEvolution]

Roy Rodriguez thank you !

[@user-bi1iz9wh4n]

I'm liking the "skipping a rock" analogy.

[@TennisEvolution]

Jen awesome!

[@user-bi1iz9wh4n]

Tennis Evolution :) accept my friend request on FB 😋

[@simonrodriguez4529]

super great explanation!! thank you

[@TennisEvolution]

simon rodriguez you are welcome !

[@counsela9240]

Fascinating

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you Michael!

[@농농균]

key point: Relaxing shoulder+skippin rock movement

[@TennisEvolution]

솔의눈 totally !

[@paapo.]

Great vid

[@TennisEvolution]

Paap Ampomah thank you :)

[@TennisEvolution]

Paap Ampomah please share our channel with others:)

[@soevjaanoemar2761]

You are smart coach

[@TennisEvolution]

Thank you Soevjaan!

[@judedixontennis8535]

agree with all your points

[@TennisEvolution]

Jude Dixon Tennis thank you !

[@jamespeters9012]

Very cool tip...

[@TennisEvolution]

James Peters thank you 😊

[@farafabdel5236]

I will this teaps I have a question I feel my balls not speed Thanks jeff

[@floodland99]

Ah, well I'm an eastern guy. I like the "skip the rock" tip. Thanks.

[@TennisEvolution]

floodland99 that's ok. It can work!

[@wfrasson00]

I agree too!!!

[@TennisEvolution]

Willian Fernando Frasson Thank you !

[@tmquangvn]

You know, I skip the racquet, and my team mate is in hospital right now

[@lineudpaula]

Good tip! Skip the rock....

[@niceguy5430]

Where is the top spin....you are hitting it flat...

[@geepeeone]

Jeff, you need to buy better shorts, it looks like you're wearing a kilt!

[@TennisEvolution]

geepeeone thank you for the top:)

[@goldwolf0606]

Lol...I didn't notice until I read this comment. Get the Stan Wawrinka 2015 French Open Shorts. Those are so cool. I was so happy he beat Novak, it made me like those shorts.

[@reuelray]

geepeeone. As far as I'm concerned he could wear flannel, knit, silk, pleats rayon, come out in his pj's or even a Kilt. leave that dude alone man. we are all getting fed free food.

[@TennisEvolution]

Reuel Ray exactly :)