Lifting the elbow playing forehand topspin

Peter C Asked 7 years ago

Hi, I have been told by some better players at my club that I lift my elbow sometimes when I play a forehand topspin.  I wondered what they meant but once I was conscious of it, I realised that they meant that sometimes my elbow seems to finish above the rest of my arm towards the end of the stroke, sort of like a coat hanger shape.  Trouble is I am having trouble working out what is causing it or therefore how to overcome it.  I have a forehand orientated grip so I am not sure if that is the cause of it, or whether I am too close or too far away from the ball.  Sorry if my explanation isn't clear enough. If you need more detail, I will try and make a video and send it to you. 

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Peter,

This is a common error.  It is usually due to a tight shoulder.  If your shoulder is tight the bat and arm can't swing through naturally and so the elbow has nowhere to go and moves up.

Focus on relaxing your shoulder and see if that helps.  Do a few swings without the ball and see if a relaxed arm will allow the bat to flow through naturally and the elbow to stay down.