Thanks for all the great tips including this one – soft hands, firm wrist.
Last weekend while coaching my son (12yrs old beginner), I gave him a floor cleaning brush to hold, then I put the brush behind his racquet and pushed the bristles through the strings – like a giant toothbrush. He could imagine the initial ball contact feeling soft; then quite firm. He immediately started hitting the ball about 3 metres deeper yet still with great feel, control and top spin. This also helps you to “reach out” and feel the first contact sooner i.e. in front .
I have also used the visual metaphor of reaching way forward and painting the practice wall in front with a wide sweeping rainbow arc – works for me!
It amazes me that people will try to play this game loosey-goosey, and wonder why the can’t get the ball to go where they want it to. Great accuracy/directional explanation, Mauro!! Your the best!!
I could not wait to get off the court to send a note to Mauro.
I played high school and college tennis (never to my satisfaction) and have been struggling with a modern game having been taught in the 80’s.
I have made a significant financial and time commitment to be the tennis player I have longed to be. I have been struggling with my forehand (most of my life if I were to be honest). Yesterday, I watched all of the videos on the forehand and it made a huge difference for me today. I love my tennis pro, he is the best that i have ever had. Now, I feel that Mauro’s tips, combined with my active training, I have a chance. A million thanks Mauro. Really, a million thanks.
Peter said
am May 28 2010 @ 6:58 pm
Hi Mauro,
Thanks for all the great tips including this one – soft hands, firm wrist.
Last weekend while coaching my son (12yrs old beginner), I gave him a floor cleaning brush to hold, then I put the brush behind his racquet and pushed the bristles through the strings – like a giant toothbrush. He could imagine the initial ball contact feeling soft; then quite firm. He immediately started hitting the ball about 3 metres deeper yet still with great feel, control and top spin. This also helps you to “reach out” and feel the first contact sooner i.e. in front .
I have also used the visual metaphor of reaching way forward and painting the practice wall in front with a wide sweeping rainbow arc – works for me!
Jack said
am June 2 2010 @ 5:57 am
It amazes me that people will try to play this game loosey-goosey, and wonder why the can’t get the ball to go where they want it to. Great accuracy/directional explanation, Mauro!! Your the best!!
Anonymous said
am July 20 2010 @ 8:36 pm
I could not wait to get off the court to send a note to Mauro.
I played high school and college tennis (never to my satisfaction) and have been struggling with a modern game having been taught in the 80’s.
I have made a significant financial and time commitment to be the tennis player I have longed to be. I have been struggling with my forehand (most of my life if I were to be honest). Yesterday, I watched all of the videos on the forehand and it made a huge difference for me today. I love my tennis pro, he is the best that i have ever had. Now, I feel that Mauro’s tips, combined with my active training, I have a chance. A million thanks Mauro. Really, a million thanks.