The forehand after the forehand pivot

Simon Lewis Asked 12 years ago

Hi Pingskills,

I am looking for some advice on how to play the forehand topspin on the run. There are times when I may have pivoted and played a forehand topspin on the backhand side, and the ball is blocked onto my natural forehand side. I want to play a topspin off this ball, but find that my balance is all over the place and I find myself falling over myself to play the shot. I know it is probably a footwork issue, but the times I tend to be able to reach the ball is when I cross my feet over to get to the ball in time, leaving my balance all over the place which usually leads to a poor shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_ahUtnF9Q i have looked at this video many times, but I'm not sure that what the coach is saying applies at all levels, simply because these players are so athletic. What do you think?

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Simon,

The crossover footwork can be used when the ball is out really wide.  It is almost a running action rather than a sidestep.  This will help to get to the ball faster but it's drawback is that it is more difficult to stop quickly and get back for the next ball.

The key is to have strong enough legs firstly to propel you for the jump but also to stop you to be able to balance and get back for the next ball.  You also need the coordination to be able to play the stroke as you are moving out wide.

Before the ball comes you need to 'wind up' your body to prepare for the forehand topspin by getting your bat back into the start position of your stroke.  Then as you are making the sideways step you play your shot and land.  The comes the really hard part of remaining balanced and stopping in a balanced position.

As you said it is a stroke that requires an elevated level of athletic ability.

We have a Master Class on this called Moving Out Wide which will also help for our Premium members.