u/Altruistic_Turn_7214

Saw this video earlier and wanted to highlight how effective and underrated a slice forehand is. Compared to a topspin forehand it offers less pace, keeps the ball low so removes it from the opponents strike zone. Definitely a secret weapon if used right

(Not my original video)

Little tip on the forehand, ideally you want to be swinging from inside to out, https://youtube.com/shorts/WUi7r0mcoNw?si=kLYW5fUZm3sDBEq1 this video explains it quite well. Essentially you don’t want to tuck the elbow in, gives you more leverage.

The video attached is Nadal’s forehand from a top view, just so you can see the contact point

This is a common question I get, why is Federer on the back foot, isn’t it suboptimal ? If you look closely at the legs you’ll see he’s actually pivoting off the foot to rotate, this is different to ‘falling back’ which a lot of newer players do, next time try to pivot and rotate well, rotation causes power, not stepping in.

Red line is racket, green is hand

Even one of the most aggressive players ever is staying well behind the baseline until it’s time to move forwards

Look how Kyrgios is barely moving, Millman is hitting right back to him letting Nick dictate easily

The jump on the serve should be the absolute last step when learning, comtrart to popular belief it’s not holistic. Check out the video of Kyrgios warming up, no leg drive and a serve that’s clearly a bullet. When learning the serve it’s super important you understand the throwing motion BEFORE you jump. Less moving parts makes it a lot easier to understand the fundamentals. There is no point jumping if you’re pancaking or cannot get into an effective trophy position, try a half serve from the service line to feel the throw, then add the jump at the end, try it out. Here is Nadal doing the exact same thing.

Side note : I understand Kyrgios has a very live wrist, however it’s possible to hit serves at 100mph without using the legs at all, the legs are there to boost an already well developed throwing motion.

Full explanation here if interested, a lot of new players accidentally copy the racket path with their hand, it’s easier to observe what the body does as that’s the only thing that can be controlled.