Monday, March 8, 2010

The Forehand

This is the forehand style which I teach. We are in the Eastern Grip. Please watch both videos and notice the take back, footwork AND FINISH

Tomorrow I will break up the groups and set up the tee, so we can isolate all the moving parts of your stroke, without the ball moving. We'll work the practice in stations, after we do the short and long running. I like the first one for the majority of you who are just getting your feet wet. As you'll see in the picture above, using the forehand from the first video clip. You'll be able to grasp the beautiful feeling of hitting the ball on the rise, in the most efficient and simplest way possible.

We had a good practice today, and we'll get better and learn more tomorrow. I'm excited, and I have a good feeling if I can keep you focused we have an outside chance at winning our division in the Olympic Conference. Go in the gym and look up at the banners and tell me when the last time the boys team won such. Would you like to make history for your school.

Remember put that front foot on the ground when hitting your forehand. That knee is bent thru contact and full follow thru. This keeps you balanced at contact, so your shoulders and hips aren't moving at the exact moment of contact. If you don't do this your just arming and wristing the ball taking away any power or control you need to have.





The Tom Stow Forehand - Notice the end of the follow-through, and which foot pivots first... and the take back, where the racquet head pauses ... 2nd vid clip





Kid version with key phrases