J B Tennis Coaching Nottingham

THE USE OF VIDEO ANALYSIS TO AID LEARNING

THE TOPSPIN FOREHAND
Click on the arrows below the picture (right) to see how we can break down a forehand shot
(pictured Josh Sept 2011)

• The racket starts at 'ready position', the shoulders rotate to the side of the body whilst the racket continues to travel in a backswing motion to a position below the height of the oncoming ball
• The body weight is on the right leg which is pushing upwards and forward providing some of the power for the the racket to travel upwards and forwards towards the ball
• The racket connects with the ball (CONTACT POINT) in line with the left knee/leg which is in front of the body
• The right shoulder travels forward giving a longer 'hitting zone' and continues to rotate after contact with the racket continuing to the left side of the body as the momentum of the racket slows down.

THE SERVE
Click on the arrows with the picture (left) below of how a service is broken into segments
(pictured Matt Williamson Sept 2011)

• Starting in a balanced position - weight neither forward nor backward
• The ball is tossed whilst the racket is dropped and the legs push downwards creating a 'knee-bend'
• The shoulders tilt backwards and rotate slightly
• The racket drops directly downwards behind the back and recoils upwards to connect (CONTACT POINT) with the ball
• The shoulders tilt forwards and the right shoulder travels forward as the ball is hit
• The body weight moves upwards and forwards throughout the process of the serve

THE SINGLE HANDED DRIVE/TOPSPIN BACKHAND - note left handed player shown here on the right picture
(pictured Jan Sept 2011)
click on the arrows to show the process

• Split step preparation, backhand grip
• Body weight goes onto the right leg to support the shoulder rotation
• The racket is taken back and slightly upwards as part of the rotation process
• The racket head then drops due to gravity, the player steps towards the oncoming ball
• The upper body turns towards the oncoming ball and the racket meets (CONTACT POINT) the ball in front of the body/knee
• The left shoulder travels forwards throughout this process
• As the recoil completes, the shoulders open and the racket finishes to the left side of the body

NOTE - FOR A RIGHT HANDED PLAYER THIS IS JUST REVERSED