Modernize your Forehand: ua-cam.com/video/ZC8yvos2hk8/v-deo.html Create Heavy Topspin on your Forehand: ua-cam.com/video/HvZFMaB6iMs/v-deo.html Carlos Alcaraz's Forehand: ua-cam.com/video/WWiqXyUqJkc/v-deo.html
Basically the swing begins when you pull the butt cap of the grip the way you would pull a starter cord on a lawn mower. The racket head”lags” behind the grip but centrifugal force snaps the racket head around, creating what Macci calls “the flip.” The racket head then effortlessly orbits around the axis of the grip, and follows that flight path like a dead weight. It’s the final release of all that kinetic chain energy like the final explosive crack at the tip of a whip, Indiana Jones style. That’s when you want the strings to make contact with the ball. Then let the racket fly to its natural finish. Keep the racket flying through the ball. Do not put the brakes on. You will spoil the kinetic flow and kill the power. Think about Medvedev’s maximized finish. In his extreme take on the follow through, Medvedev lets all the energy get released into the ball by fully allowing the swing to come to completion, practically wrapping his arm around his neck.
Best explanation I’ve ever seen-agreed on the coach who emphasizes the wrist-it gets misinterpreted and the ball flies, wrist breaks before contact etc. I think he means to focus on keeping wrist in a relatively loose grip and let the momentum lead it after contact…but for less than world-class players it causes a floppy wrist at contact.
Said coach has teaching vids with players that mostly have advanced level technique already. I’d like to see how he’d teach the average weekend rec player with the sort of stepwise approach as Meike does so well. It’s easy to teach an advanced player and yell “Yes!”, “Perfect!”, “Wow!”, “Amazing!”.
Thank you for another clear and accurate video. The best video in years on this subject, in my opinion. I am trying to be clear in my mind about what the arm from the shoulder to the fingertips is doing. I believe all the movement is actually done by the body and shoulder. The arm bends at the elbow and the forearm pronates some after the ball has been hit, not during the contact or before. Would you agree? That makes for the most stable and consistent hitting. I have been misled for years by the term "rolling over the ball" or "brushing up." Those terms have encouraged me to pronate before hitting the ball, making my racquet rotate a bit around its axis. Doing that has made me an excellent shanker for years. Now I realize every part of the arm below the shoulder is stable (not moving at all), nothing in the elbow or forearm, or wrist until after the ball has left the racquet. Slight changes in the forearm or wrist might happen to adjust to a surprise, like a ball that doesn't bounce as expected and so forth, but those slight changes are not something to strive for, only emergency adjustments. I am sure what I am saying will seem wrong to a lot of players, but I think my concepts here are worth considering. Thank you again.
Very well put! I do catch myself using the "brushing up" and "rolling" cues every now and then but I do show and add that it's not the wrist that does it. Gotta keep remembering to use different terminology.
Well, you did say in another video that you "roll over" long after the ball has left the racquet. You have been quite clear. Chatter on the courts or my own misinterpretation has led me to pronate before or while the ball is struck. I want you to know that after watching your video that uses Rublev as an example, I went out and concentrated on holding my forearm in a supinated position and my wrist in a laidback (extension) position until after I hit the ball, and my stroke was unbelievably better. I was so delighted! I know I sound like a BS-er, but my strokes were shockingly better. Same for my two-handed backhand as well. I concentrated on keeping a laidback position through contact. So, thank you so much. Perhaps some players can squeeze out a little more pop with their forearm. It is a rotator, after all. But I'll take the consistency of what I've now learned any day. And, for me, my power was actually much greater this new way of swinging. I look forward to more UA-cam lessons from you. @@MeikeBabelTennis (extension)
You are right. The best forehand video I’ve watched. You are a truly spectacular teacher. Clear, simple, and concise demonstrated explanation. Huge thanks!
To avoid misleading, It would be nice maybe to just use precise anatomical terms, they're made for that. Even lag is a bit misleading. What we want at impact is wrist extension because it's a stable position. Wrist extension can occur early in the preparation or later in the swing, causing more racquet head speed but less precision for contact point. You can have wrist extension if you're tight and maybe it won't be that bad a forehand. But you won't have big racquet head speed if you're tight because you lock the wrist. To have maximal "lag" when hitting, you need to already have a lag during takeback. That's why the preparations with racquet head pointing to the net. And indeed "snap" means nothing precise. After impact, there's no wrist flexion. If snap means elbow flexion/fast forearm pronation, not forced, why not, but better to use those terms to be clear. Going to think about a video about that ! Thanks for this interesting topic.
Many thanks for creating this video! I have been struggling mightily with my forehand after 3 months off with knee surgery. Nothing seemed to work. After watching this I grabbed the ball machine and went out to give it a try. It was like a miracle. Balls hit consistently in where I was aiming with good pace and the stroke felt so much more natural. The next day I played a double match and my partner commented on how good my grounds strokes looked. This tip just really hit the sweet spot for me. Thanks Again!
You glossed over the acceleration of the racket head from the initial lag to the point of contact with a couple of words. There is some movement of the wrist during this acceleration. If you try to maintain the initial lag all the way to contact you will not be taking advantage of racket head speed. Watch videos of Dimitrov. He has released the wrist lag to some degree Prior to making contact with the ball for more effortless power.
Really great post & illustration of the proper technique for the modern forehand. Might be the best coaching video I've seen related thereto. Thanks much for the post and will definitely circle back to watch this one multiple times.
😭😭😂10:21 that’s so funny, and it’s so true when you teach more advanced players it’s actually easier than teaching beginners because you don’t have to explain as much to advanced players. Great video thanks!
The "snap" (supination) is just bad technique, however I've experienced the "snap" when I roll the arm & pronate the wrist snapping up & over the ball. Great video on explaining the lag!
7:18 I really like the way you distinctively separate the active snap of the wrist here. I would call the snap as release, ie. letting the racket head go and react to the direction change, when arm range of motion end and hand starts moving more to the inside and around the body instead at the ball.
Great teaching. I wish you would do a video that illustrates the proper timing of trunk rotation and body weight forward-shift relative to the degree of progression of the swing.
This is a very well made video. You explained in detail but still kept it easy to understand. You also come a long way as I remember you didn’t like to talk about lag in your early videos. 👍🙏
Great explanation on the wrist lag, I would like to know about the end of the swing, when to finish above the shoulders and when to finish at waist level
I did injured my wrist from that snap though I knew I shouldn't do it but it happened when the ball is too fast and I want to suddenly push the ball through. I will be more careful and keep my racket lagged plus practice like you suggested. THANKS.
@@MeikeBabelTennis I see, thanks I hope you suggest how to read the ball, I have problems following my partner's ball to the net looking for a poach but got lobbing from the opponent instead!!
Thank you for the great video and detailed analysis of the forehand swing. I have seen many videos before and I have to say that yours is one of the best. Peace!
Really good! Just discovered your channel a few days back and I really like it and am curious to watch more your videos about different things to see how you explain it. And I'm doing this after spending the last 4-5 years studying huge amount of tennis content on the internet that got me into coaching myself (after already having a good feel of things playing as amateur with good native coordonation, but searching for tips to help others). Great work! 😀💪🎾
When/where (how?) does the acceleration start…when the returned ball bounces up or just as it starts to come down? Move the racket back and pause in the lag position or hold in the unit turn/prep position, and glide into the lag position to build momentum and keep going to accelerate (continuous motion)?
You're creating energy with your unit turn and your legs and up until shortly before the lock in position to store it. As you start your forward swing (which is the force that pulls the tip of the racket back) you start to accelerate. I'll show you in practice.
Another great video. Thank you. Could you do a video on the eyes? Dominant eye, tracking the ball and creating the right amount of space to hit the ball. I tend to cram, possibly an old habit i got when playing table tennis between 15-17... but i still do and am 61... lol. Strangely enough I have less problem on my backhand.
one mistake or myth I realize recently is about dropping your racquet head. I used to drop the racquet head by letting my wrist bent down and I believe that hurts my wrist while reducing the power. The correct way to drop the racquet head should lead by the shoulder while the wrist racquet angle holds bit firmly.
Overall very good advice on the lag...but what u r misinterpreting is the proper understanding of the 'snap' that instructors refer to more and more...they dont always explain it right...but usually they explain that it is NOT just a wrist snap...it is a kind of whipping motion for extra power and we get that not w the wrist only...we get it with the whole wrist and forearm together rolling over and simultaneously whipping upon point of contact w the ball, and this motion is often described as a windshield wiper motion...Most pro level players use it.. this is an advanced technique requiring years of practice to master it and agn this is one of the main elements for increased pace and power...but u sacrifice the consistent control we MUST learn to master first which is the stroke u taught very well in this video w the lag but without the aggressive snap for power.
Technically this a great explanation to hit a solid forehand, but even more important is the portion on injury avoidance. Have seen plenty of younger players that have the combination of an extreme grip and also picked the wrist snap from who knows where. Besides the consistency issue where they intermittently shank the ball and occasionally hit a TV highlight shot, the injury potential from the wrist all the way to the upper arm is pretty high. Definitely not worth the down time for an inconsistent result.
Very very very very good video for the forehand! I have seen this same thing--the wrist flapping instead of allowing the wrist-forearm to rotate (ie releasing the wrist)--sooo many times. (I've also watched some videos with dismay that a certain highly-regarded coach is so highly regarded. I guess it helps if you coach people who are already trained and phenomenally talented?) Oftentimes also I see online coaches explain what pros do and then watch the actual pros and see something quite different--gotta be a careful shopper when you look at tennis videos! I always enjoy your videos, Meike--you deserve more followers for sure!
Her channel is relatively new. That is why she has relatively fewer subscribers than channels that have been around for many years. But it will soon explode as she brings a unique perspective. #27 WTA in the world giving you tennis lessons. No other channel has such an elite high ranked player offering in depth lessons. Nothing comes close. There is Salzenstein who was Top 100, but apart from that, no other online coach comes close in terms of an elite player giving in depth lessons.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I a lot of ways I'm sharing what some of the great coaches I was fortunate enough to work with taught me. And it's really great that it resonates with people.
It certainly is a different thing when you train world class players and juniors. They just have very different and advanced skill sets. I still dont agree with the psh psh forehand slaps but maybe those players relate to it differently, who knows. And yes, what Raul TW below says, I only started about a year ago and it takes time to build the channel. But I do get very encouraging feedback such as yours so I'll definitely continue to work hard on my channel.
Great Thanks. The spin comes from the low to high action with the arm (and a relaxed wrist) as the driving force rather than trying to roll the wrist aggressively at the point of contact. Correct?
As a beginner who overthinks everything, the toothpaste and spiderman tips were awesome! (Maybe I need to join a kiddie class lol). Thanks for the great content.
Thank you for this video. It helped a lot. I wanted to ask is it the same for flat forehands? I see a slight slapping while some pros hitting flat forehands, and they finish it side of their shoulders.
I'd still not call it slapping, there is still a low to high movement of the racket and yes, a lot of times they finish over the biceps bc they're not swinging a steeply.
Please clarify what grip you are using (SW or Eastern) when demonstrating with TopSpinPro at 8:38 and with your shadow swing checkpoints (butt cap facing camera at end of swing) at 8:05... I suspect that SW grip will satisfy that butt cap checkpoint but Eastern may not.
Both E and SW will end up with the buttcap pointing to opponent. In this case it's not the grip it's the rotation/ rolling over the ball with your arm/ forearm. Im in a soft SW grip these days.
I'm actually using both the Ezone 98 and the VCore Pro 97, both between 310-315 grams I believe. I can't decide which one I like better so I just switch :-)
@@MeikeBabelTennis interesting. I use a pure drive sometimes, but I find it too heavy, but when I use my head, which weighs the same, it doesn't feel heavy. I weigh my racquets. I'm 76 so I notice weight and balance easily. You are a good teacher. I'm thinking of trying the vcore pro 280 gm. 300 with overwrap, strings and dampner.
I'm with you, however when you talk about lag in a slow swing surely that is a manipulation, at slow speed the racket weight isn't pulling back enough to generate that full lag position?
Meike, you are indeed very funny, "you and the mouse" ! Perfect explanation of lag and forehand ! I had a lot of difficulty with the forehand for a long time: I started playing late and the visualization I made of what my Coach taught me was wrong. I did the 90 degrees + or - with the racket and the hand / arm, but after hitting the ball I didn't undo / relax, so the feeling was horrible and getting worse (hence this long testament) I even thought about giving up playing . But it was watching a certain video that everything became clear and from there I was finally able to hit the forehand and have good feelings. That's why I say that the video, once again, is excellent !
Thanks for this and your other videos Meike. One quick question, it seems at the end of your backswing you are getting in the slot by using external shoulder rotation, and then reversing with internal shoulder rotation when you are rolling over the ball near contact - does that seem mostly correct, that you are feeling some loading and then unloading up in the shoulder as opposed to just using supination and then pronation of the forearm?
Great vid. So about the grip - holding the racket like you're holding a tube of toothpaste I get. But what about at the point of contact - is it much tighter or just a little bit tighter? Also in some matches I intuitively get 'tight' and play passive and 'safe'. Do you have any advice on how to stay loose and play in a more aggressive mindset - particularly in doubles where I feel bad if I miss a shot playing aggressively and then revert to safe.
I don’t consciously tighten my grip when I hit. Your wrist will automatically tighten some because it’s a protection reflex. Think about when you hold your hands out with the palms up and someone slaps your hand. Your wrist/ hands stiffen up to prevent hyper extension. Keep taking deep breaths when you’re getting nervous
Breaking the plane is not bad. If you make consistent, effective contact you can absolutely break the plane. It’s a myth that has been proven wrong I’ve and over again but unfortunately is very persistent and a complete cookie cutter approach
Also, contributing to the idea of the wrist snap is the more common "whip". Even if you go to other UA-cam racquet reviewers and even Tennis Warehouse, the use terms like generating whip or a racquet being whippy. You can see all these exaggerated wristy strokes. A lot of the times it's justified as "wrist acceleration is always faster than arm acceleration". Or they say you can give the ball that extra speed by snapping the wrist or whipping the racquet/wrist. Why is there suddenly a load of wrist injuries despite advancement in racquet technology? Bad technique. Specifically, the one you mentioned. In the anatomy of the hand, arm and shoulder, the wrist has the smallest joints, tendons and delicate complex structures. The snap forces that joint to absorb and add tremendous amounts of force. Why do you think boxers tape the wrists? Why do judokas, wrestlers attack the wrist? Because no matter how big you are it's the most breakable part of the body. If one breaks a fall with the hands, what breaks first before the elbow or shoulder? The wrist.
Modernize your Forehand: ua-cam.com/video/ZC8yvos2hk8/v-deo.html
Create Heavy Topspin on your Forehand: ua-cam.com/video/HvZFMaB6iMs/v-deo.html
Carlos Alcaraz's Forehand: ua-cam.com/video/WWiqXyUqJkc/v-deo.html
Basically the swing begins when you pull the butt cap of the grip the way you would pull a starter cord on a lawn mower. The racket head”lags” behind the grip but centrifugal force snaps the racket head around, creating what Macci calls “the flip.” The racket head then effortlessly orbits around the axis of the grip, and follows that flight path like a dead weight. It’s the final release of all that kinetic chain energy like the final explosive crack at the tip of a whip, Indiana Jones style. That’s when you want the strings to make contact with the ball. Then let the racket fly to its natural finish. Keep the racket flying through the ball. Do not put the brakes on. You will spoil the kinetic flow and kill the power. Think about Medvedev’s maximized finish. In his extreme take on the follow through, Medvedev lets all the energy get released into the ball by fully allowing the swing to come to completion, practically wrapping his arm around his neck.
This is the Missing Link of tennis. No one talks about this and it's the key to the forehand. Thanks! Amazing Video.
Best explanation I’ve ever seen-agreed on the coach who emphasizes the wrist-it gets misinterpreted and the ball flies, wrist breaks before contact etc.
I think he means to focus on keeping wrist in a relatively loose grip and let the momentum lead it after contact…but for less than world-class players it causes a floppy wrist at contact.
I agree with you.
Said coach has teaching vids with players that mostly have advanced level technique already. I’d like to see how he’d teach the average weekend rec player with the sort of stepwise approach as Meike does so well. It’s easy to teach an advanced player and yell “Yes!”, “Perfect!”, “Wow!”, “Amazing!”.
Great communicator! You fixed my years of frustration with out-of-control forehands. Leading with an upward moving wrist is a game changer for me!
Thank you for another clear and accurate video. The best video in years on this subject, in my opinion. I am trying to be clear in my mind about what the arm from the shoulder to the fingertips is doing. I believe all the movement is actually done by the body and shoulder. The arm bends at the elbow and the forearm pronates some after the ball has been hit, not during the contact or before. Would you agree? That makes for the most stable and consistent hitting. I have been misled for years by the term "rolling over the ball" or "brushing up." Those terms have encouraged me to pronate before hitting the ball, making my racquet rotate a bit around its axis. Doing that has made me an excellent shanker for years. Now I realize every part of the arm below the shoulder is stable (not moving at all), nothing in the elbow or forearm, or wrist until after the ball has left the racquet. Slight changes in the forearm or wrist might happen to adjust to a surprise, like a ball that doesn't bounce as expected and so forth, but those slight changes are not something to strive for, only emergency adjustments. I am sure what I am saying will seem wrong to a lot of players, but I think my concepts here are worth considering. Thank you again.
Very well put! I do catch myself using the "brushing up" and "rolling" cues every now and then but I do show and add that it's not the wrist that does it. Gotta keep remembering to use different terminology.
Well, you did say in another video that you "roll over" long after the ball has left the racquet. You have been quite clear. Chatter on the courts or my own misinterpretation has led me to pronate before or while the ball is struck. I want you to know that after watching your video that uses Rublev as an example, I went out and concentrated on holding my forearm in a supinated position and my wrist in a laidback (extension) position until after I hit the ball, and my stroke was unbelievably better. I was so delighted! I know I sound like a BS-er, but my strokes were shockingly better. Same for my two-handed backhand as well. I concentrated on keeping a laidback position through contact. So, thank you so much. Perhaps some players can squeeze out a little more pop with their forearm. It is a rotator, after all. But I'll take the consistency of what I've now learned any day. And, for me, my power was actually much greater this new way of swinging. I look forward to more UA-cam lessons from you. @@MeikeBabelTennis (extension)
This lady is the best tennis coach on you tube. She has a real talent for explaining technique in an easy to understand way
The best lesson I have seen about the forehand. Thank you so much.
You are right. The best forehand video I’ve watched. You are a truly spectacular teacher. Clear, simple, and concise demonstrated explanation. Huge thanks!
To avoid misleading, It would be nice maybe to just use precise anatomical terms, they're made for that. Even lag is a bit misleading. What we want at impact is wrist extension because it's a stable position. Wrist extension can occur early in the preparation or later in the swing, causing more racquet head speed but less precision for contact point. You can have wrist extension if you're tight and maybe it won't be that bad a forehand. But you won't have big racquet head speed if you're tight because you lock the wrist. To have maximal "lag" when hitting, you need to already have a lag during takeback. That's why the preparations with racquet head pointing to the net. And indeed "snap" means nothing precise. After impact, there's no wrist flexion. If snap means elbow flexion/fast forearm pronation, not forced, why not, but better to use those terms to be clear. Going to think about a video about that ! Thanks for this interesting topic.
Many thanks for creating this video! I have been struggling mightily with my forehand after 3 months off with knee surgery. Nothing seemed to work. After watching this I grabbed the ball machine and went out to give it a try. It was like a miracle. Balls hit consistently in where I was aiming with good pace and the stroke felt so much more natural. The next day I played a double match and my partner commented on how good my grounds strokes looked. This tip just really hit the sweet spot for me. Thanks Again!
Thank you for your kind words and I'm so happy that my video helped you. That's exactly why I'm making them!
Just a perfect explanation during the whole video in a100% . Watching from Argentina. Thank you!
Its really great to hear and look instructions from someone who actually played the game professionally. Spot on in every way . Thank you
Meike you are my favorite coach on YT.
Your videos and specially this one are so helpfull. Dan
Great video. So useful. Thank you very much. 😃👏👏🎾
You’re very welcome
This is by far the best after seeing many instruction on you tube , thanks
Thank you
Great explanetion!! thank´s a lot
You glossed over the acceleration of the racket head from the initial lag to the point of contact with a couple of words. There is some movement of the wrist during this acceleration. If you try to maintain the initial lag all the way to contact you will not be taking advantage of racket head speed. Watch videos of Dimitrov. He has released the wrist lag to some degree Prior to making contact with the ball for more effortless power.
Excellent lesson thank you!
These are great forehand lessons . Most of my instructors confused the crap out of me with this lag and snap crap . Thank you Meike ..
What amazing instruction! We are privileged to have you as our instructor. I love your channel!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Thanks for the great video.🤩You confirm what my tennis teacher taught me.
Really great post & illustration of the proper technique for the modern forehand. Might be the best coaching video I've seen related thereto. Thanks much for the post and will definitely circle back to watch this one multiple times.
Thank you so much. You are very kind
One of the best videos on this topic. Really explains
Glad you liked it
great and simple explanations to work with
😭😭😂10:21 that’s so funny, and it’s so true when you teach more advanced players it’s actually easier than teaching beginners because you don’t have to explain as much to advanced players. Great video thanks!
Absolutely!! They've heard it a million times before already :-)
Pretty awesome tips and very well explained. I've a little lag but not very much. Will be using a stretch bend to improve the feel 😊
The "snap" (supination) is just bad technique, however I've experienced the "snap" when I roll the arm & pronate the wrist snapping up & over the ball. Great video on explaining the lag!
7:18 I really like the way you distinctively separate the active snap of the wrist here.
I would call the snap as release, ie. letting the racket head go and react to the direction change, when arm range of motion end and hand starts moving more to the inside and around the body instead at the ball.
Great teaching. I wish you would do a video that illustrates the proper timing of trunk rotation and body weight forward-shift relative to the degree of progression of the swing.
Great suggestion!
This is a very well made video. You explained in detail but still kept it easy to understand. You also come a long way as I remember you didn’t like to talk about lag in your early videos. 👍🙏
I appreciate that! Yes, you're right but I had so many people ask about it that I figured I have to do it.
Another great video! Answered questions I had and really helps me with my 7yr old daughter. Thank you!
Best Explanation that i ever watched.
Thank you
That Spiderman tip is pure gold .It gave me the idea of wrist lag.
Awesome! It works great with juniors and then they all run around the court and go "pshee" shooting webs!
Great explanation on the wrist lag, I would like to know about the end of the swing, when to finish above the shoulders and when to finish at waist level
I did injured my wrist from that snap though I knew I shouldn't do it but it happened when the ball is too fast and I want to suddenly push the ball through. I will be more careful and keep my racket lagged plus practice like you suggested. THANKS.
Yes that is what happens a lot. Early prep is key as well
@@MeikeBabelTennis I see, thanks
I hope you suggest how to read the ball, I have problems following my partner's ball to the net looking for a poach but got lobbing from the opponent instead!!
Good demo, good drills. Thanks coach Meike.
Glad you liked it!
She always delivers 🙌 Great teacher, shows and tell beautifully!
Thnk you for your very useful lessons tips
Thank you for the great video and detailed analysis of the forehand swing. I have seen many videos before and I have to say that yours is one of the best. Peace!
Thank you! And feel free to share my videos with your tennis friends
It’s really hopeful!Thank you so much！
Such an excellent video. Thanks!
You're very welcome!
Excellent video !! Thanks Mieke
Thank you!
Really good! Just discovered your channel a few days back and I really like it and am curious to watch more your videos about different things to see how you explain it. And I'm doing this after spending the last 4-5 years studying huge amount of tennis content on the internet that got me into coaching myself (after already having a good feel of things playing as amateur with good native coordonation, but searching for tips to help others). Great work! 😀💪🎾
That is awesome! Feel free to tell your students about my channel ;-)
When/where (how?) does the acceleration start…when the returned ball bounces up or just as it starts to come down? Move the racket back and pause in the lag position or hold in the unit turn/prep position, and glide into the lag position to build momentum and keep going to accelerate (continuous motion)?
You're creating energy with your unit turn and your legs and up until shortly before the lock in position to store it. As you start your forward swing (which is the force that pulls the tip of the racket back) you start to accelerate. I'll show you in practice.
Great video, great explanation. Good job
Another great video. Thank you. Could you do a video on the eyes? Dominant eye, tracking the ball and creating the right amount of space to hit the ball. I tend to cram, possibly an old habit i got when playing table tennis between 15-17... but i still do and am 61... lol. Strangely enough I have less problem on my backhand.
Actually, not as uncommon as you think. I have a few clients that struggle with the same thing. And I’ll put the spacing video on my “to film” list
Fantastic, have big tournament and will use tricks, thanks
Good luck! Let me know how it went!
one mistake or myth I realize recently is about dropping your racquet head. I used to drop the racquet head by letting my wrist bent down and I believe that hurts my wrist while reducing the power. The correct way to drop the racquet head should lead by the shoulder while the wrist racquet angle holds bit firmly.
Nicely explained
Thank you so much 🙂
Another great video.Thanks.👊
Thank you
Thank you so much, you are awesome at describing content!!
Thank you, glad you like it!
Overall very good advice on the lag...but what u r misinterpreting is the proper understanding of the 'snap' that instructors refer to more and more...they dont always explain it right...but usually they explain that it is NOT just a wrist snap...it is a kind of whipping motion for extra power and we get that not w the wrist only...we get it with the whole wrist and forearm together rolling over and simultaneously whipping upon point of contact w the ball, and this motion is often described as a windshield wiper motion...Most pro level players use it.. this is an advanced technique requiring years of practice to master it and agn this is one of the main elements for increased pace and power...but u sacrifice the consistent control we MUST learn to master first which is the stroke u taught very well in this video w the lag but without the aggressive snap for power.
Such a good video! Thank you
Thank you. Great video!!!
Technically this a great explanation to hit a solid forehand, but even more important is the portion on injury avoidance. Have seen plenty of younger players that have the combination of an extreme grip and also picked the wrist snap from who knows where. Besides the consistency issue where they intermittently shank the ball and occasionally hit a TV highlight shot, the injury potential from the wrist all the way to the upper arm is pretty high. Definitely not worth the down time for an inconsistent result.
Couldn’t agree more!
i ma tennis coach and i really like this video,i am doing the same thing and explaining to my clients...regards from Serbia
Very very very very good video for the forehand! I have seen this same thing--the wrist flapping instead of allowing the wrist-forearm to rotate (ie releasing the wrist)--sooo many times. (I've also watched some videos with dismay that a certain highly-regarded coach is so highly regarded. I guess it helps if you coach people who are already trained and phenomenally talented?) Oftentimes also I see online coaches explain what pros do and then watch the actual pros and see something quite different--gotta be a careful shopper when you look at tennis videos!
I always enjoy your videos, Meike--you deserve more followers for sure!
Her channel is relatively new. That is why she has relatively fewer subscribers than channels that have been around for many years. But it will soon explode as she brings a unique perspective. #27 WTA in the world giving you tennis lessons. No other channel has such an elite high ranked player offering in depth lessons. Nothing comes close. There is Salzenstein who was Top 100, but apart from that, no other online coach comes close in terms of an elite player giving in depth lessons.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I a lot of ways I'm sharing what some of the great coaches I was fortunate enough to work with taught me. And it's really great that it resonates with people.
It certainly is a different thing when you train world class players and juniors. They just have very different and advanced skill sets. I still dont agree with the psh psh forehand slaps but maybe those players relate to it differently, who knows. And yes, what Raul TW below says, I only started about a year ago and it takes time to build the channel. But I do get very encouraging feedback such as yours so I'll definitely continue to work hard on my channel.
Great Thanks. The spin comes from the low to high action with the arm (and a relaxed wrist) as the driving force rather than trying to roll the wrist aggressively at the point of contact. Correct?
That’s a great way of explaining it and yes, you are right
you are the best coach
You’re a doctor of tennis!!!
Thank yoU!
Love it, thank you ❤😊
You’re welcome 😊
Very good!
Glad you think so!
Awesome vid - mental note .. taking 6 tubes of toothepaste to this week's coaching class and 3 mice. Thanks 🙂
As a beginner who overthinks everything, the toothpaste and spiderman tips were awesome! (Maybe I need to join a kiddie class lol). Thanks for the great content.
Excellent!!!!
Many thanks!
Thanks!
Thank you so much, Marc!!!! You are my first "Thank you" supporter!
good stuff
Hi Meike. Would you say the forehand swing more closely resembles a bowling motion or a discus throw?
Probably has small similarities of each but I'm not a biomechanics expert so I can't really say.
Thank you for this video. It helped a lot. I wanted to ask is it the same for flat forehands? I see a slight slapping while some pros hitting flat forehands, and they finish it side of their shoulders.
I'd still not call it slapping, there is still a low to high movement of the racket and yes, a lot of times they finish over the biceps bc they're not swinging a steeply.
You are a great coach 👍 👏 Великолепный канал!
Thank you!
Please clarify what grip you are using (SW or Eastern) when demonstrating with TopSpinPro at 8:38 and with your shadow swing checkpoints (butt cap facing camera at end of swing) at 8:05... I suspect that SW grip will satisfy that butt cap checkpoint but Eastern may not.
Both E and SW will end up with the buttcap pointing to opponent. In this case it's not the grip it's the rotation/ rolling over the ball with your arm/ forearm. Im in a soft SW grip these days.
Love the toothpaste/Zahnpasta tip!
Was kann ich sagen, einer meiner Coaches war sehr einfallsreich
@@MeikeBabelTennis ist echt ein guter Tipp. Werde ich auch so weitergeben! Danke!
What Yonex racquet are you using? Weight, size please
I'm actually using both the Ezone 98 and the VCore Pro 97, both between 310-315 grams I believe. I can't decide which one I like better so I just switch :-)
@@MeikeBabelTennis interesting. I use a pure drive sometimes, but I find it too heavy, but when I use my head, which weighs the same, it doesn't feel heavy. I weigh my racquets. I'm 76 so I notice weight and balance easily. You are a good teacher.
I'm thinking of trying the vcore pro 280 gm. 300 with overwrap, strings and dampner.
Oh my the spiderman trick fixed it for me!!
Thank you
You're welcome
Clearly talking about Mouratoglou 😁
Maybe :))))
@@MeikeBabelTennis 😁
@@MeikeBabelTennis Yes!, Perfect!, Wow😲!,...Amazing!... 🤦... 🐂💩
As I see it you do not need a snap before contact but it is near impossible after contact. Timing.
I'm with you, however when you talk about lag in a slow swing surely that is a manipulation, at slow speed the racket weight isn't pulling back enough to generate that full lag position?
If you have your hand and arm relaxed you'll still get into it somewhat. Even when I feed the ball I saw myself on film getting into the lag.
@@MeikeBabelTennis Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep working on it.
Meike, you are indeed very funny, "you and the mouse" !
Perfect explanation of lag and forehand !
I had a lot of difficulty with the forehand for a long time: I started playing late and the visualization I made of what my Coach taught me was wrong. I did the 90 degrees + or - with the racket and the hand / arm, but after hitting the ball I didn't undo / relax, so the feeling was horrible and getting worse (hence this long testament) I even thought about giving up playing .
But it was watching a certain video that everything became clear and from there I was finally able to hit the forehand and have good feelings.
That's why I say that the video, once again, is excellent !
Awesome, that is great! That’s exactly what I’m hoping to achieve with my videos
Thank you madam❤
Thanks for this and your other videos Meike. One quick question, it seems at the end of your backswing you are getting in the slot by using external shoulder rotation, and then reversing with internal shoulder rotation when you are rolling over the ball near contact - does that seem mostly correct, that you are feeling some loading and then unloading up in the shoulder as opposed to just using supination and then pronation of the forearm?
Meike I am huge fan but how can I get my son to hit faster forehands
Difficult to say without seeing him play. Check out my stroke analysis service: www.meikebabel.com/stroke-analysis
u said im a doctor so confidently 😂gosh that made me laugh, nice vid mama
Great vid. So about the grip - holding the racket like you're holding a tube of toothpaste I get. But what about at the point of contact - is it much tighter or just a little bit tighter? Also in some matches I intuitively get 'tight' and play passive and 'safe'. Do you have any advice on how to stay loose and play in a more aggressive mindset - particularly in doubles where I feel bad if I miss a shot playing aggressively and then revert to safe.
I don’t consciously tighten my grip when I hit. Your wrist will automatically tighten some because it’s a protection reflex. Think about when you hold your hands out with the palms up and someone slaps your hand. Your wrist/ hands stiffen up to prevent hyper extension. Keep taking deep breaths when you’re getting nervous
Interested in topspin pro discount
Super!!!
I love the Spider-Man example 🙂
I wonder whoever came up with the term “lag and snap” must be in awe that it gets so popular.
It's a few "influencers" who pick it up and it goes from there. Just like the stupid ATP/ WTA forehand.
I see so many people contorting their wrist to achieve the windshield wiper, when all they have to do is just let things happen with the arm
When I try to do that, I break the plane, according to my instructor. How can I avoid that?
Breaking the plane is not bad. If you make consistent, effective contact you can absolutely break the plane. It’s a myth that has been proven wrong I’ve and over again but unfortunately is very persistent and a complete cookie cutter approach
Do you see Halep have wrist lag? Somehow I couldn’t quite see it in the video below. ua-cam.com/video/uYxAmJti3XQ/v-deo.html. Thanks 🙏
If you could slow it down enough you'll see that the butt cap points at the ball on every shot. so yes, she does.
Female coaches are the best coaches.
I agree :-))))
Also, contributing to the idea of the wrist snap is the more common "whip". Even if you go to other UA-cam racquet reviewers and even Tennis Warehouse, the use terms like generating whip or a racquet being whippy. You can see all these exaggerated wristy strokes. A lot of the times it's justified as "wrist acceleration is always faster than arm acceleration". Or they say you can give the ball that extra speed by snapping the wrist or whipping the racquet/wrist. Why is there suddenly a load of wrist injuries despite advancement in racquet technology? Bad technique. Specifically, the one you mentioned. In the anatomy of the hand, arm and shoulder, the wrist has the smallest joints, tendons and delicate complex structures. The snap forces that joint to absorb and add tremendous amounts of force. Why do you think boxers tape the wrists? Why do judokas, wrestlers attack the wrist? Because no matter how big you are it's the most breakable part of the body. If one breaks a fall with the hands, what breaks first before the elbow or shoulder? The wrist.
Somewhat loosely - as loose as possible. Work toward maximum looseness day in day out, and one day you might get there and have a Federer forehand.
😊
Great video (though instructor could have used better examples than toothpaste and holding a mouse :) )
Just trying to add some humor and share how I learned :-)))
Meike you are my favorite coach on YT.
Your videos and specially this one are so helpfull. Dan
Thanks!
Meike you are my favorite coach on YT.
Your videos and specially this one are so helpfull. Dan
I appreciate that! Thank you!