Modern Forehand: Extend or Wrap?

The Modern Forehand has so many variations…it is perhaps the most interesting of all shots to study. Most tennis players play more forehands than any other shot. It is the first shot we look for after the serve or return.  Therefore it is important that we continue to improve our forehands to compete at higher levels. One of the myths of the modern forehand has emerged with the concept of the “windshield wiper” technique. The misunderstanding of this technique has ruined more forehands and shots than perhaps any other perception. The image below of Gael Monfils is misleading to some extent.

Did he drive through the ball for depth and penetration into the court, or was he rolling this ball short?

Here Roger Federer presents the extension through contact that most tennis players should be attempting to perform on most forehands, particularly from the baseline. Of course there are countless variations and improvisations depending on the degree of ball speed, spin, depth and height is intended.

What happens after contact? We know the ball is only on the strings for approximately 1/25th a of second, so why does the extension matter or affect the shot? And further, why does the follow-through matter at all if the ball is gone? This is one of the most mis-understood concepts, as we repeatedly hear coaches say “follow-through, follow-through”!

The Reality is this! 
It is the INTENT to follow-through before contact and the resulting acceleration of the racquet that produces the shot, not the actual follow-through itself. The ball is already gone, and it doesn’t know if you followed-through or not.

So why do coaches preach the follow-through? 
Because the intent to follow-through produces control and feel of the shot. Particularly beginners fail to stroke into and through the ball for fear of missing the shot. The same for more experienced players who are under pressure – nervous in a match.

Your Take Away:
The intent to extend provides control and power on your modern forehand. Accelerate through contact to create the affect you want on the ball. The result will be a more powerful forehand without sacrificing control so you can dominate the court with your modern forehand!