Forehand modification or learning a new forehand

Rex Bradburn Asked 9 years ago

Hi Alex,

Just saw the 60 second video, great idea.

It's relevant to my question. I'm a leftie and I've learned to do a forehand slam, or some of one. I can hit hit one from left side to the right corner but can't do the same down the left side of the table. As a result all the doubles I play everyone expects it and moves to the right side. I've tried just placing it down the left side but the players react fast enough to return it. 

The forehand I do hit drops, or spins down, and curves to the right on the left side to opposite right side of the table.

I've practiced hitting them down the left side and can only do that once out of 20 times, focusing on position. I have no confidence in being able to hit the left side of the table. I'm still practicing to increase my confidence in the shot and slowly build up the speed of the shot, but still it's not there.

What can I do?

Thank you for all the help you've given myself, as well as lots of other readers!!!

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Rex,

To get the ball down the line to the left side, you can do one of two things.  The first is to hit the ball a little later.  This will mean that at the point of impact the bat is facing down the line instead of cross court.  To do this you will also rotate your waist slightly back.

The other way is to relax your wrist and turn it back slightly, like opening a gat.  This will get the bat facing down the line as well.  Be sure though when doing this to contact the ball flat as you come through so that it isn't spinning sideways.

Or if applying the "new forehand" theory, learn the "waiting" forehand.

Give these two methods a try and see if it feels any more comfortable.