Wrist Work and Contact Angle

Eric DSouza Asked 15 years ago

Hey Alois and Jeff,

I would like to know how much ( if any) and how the wrist is used for the forehand and backhand counterdrive and topspin.

I would also like to know the proper contact point with the ball for forehand and backhand counterhit and topspin.

Thank you

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Eric,

For the counter drive you really don't need to move your wrist through much at all.

For the topspin you can start to use your wrist.  Initially keep it fairly still, especially for the forehand.  Yuo can start to add more qrist when you have the control.

For the backhand tospspin the same applies but use even more wrist here.  Try to get the wrist to follow right through.  This will help to generate more spin and get the ball to dip.

The contact point for all your strokes remains fairly constant.  If you clasp your hands in front of you this will give you an indication of where your contact point should be.  When your hands are clasped you can move them in and out from your body.  There can be this sort of variation depending on the extent of your swing.  A little closer for more controlled shots and further away for more powerful strokes. This applies for pushing as well.

For the forehand this contact point (where our hands meet) moves around as we turn our waist but the contact point is still in front of our body.

Try it out when you are hitting next.  If you are not sure what I mean let me know and I will explain further.