Perfect preparation and balance are the keys to this solid stroke.
1.Ivanovic’s preparation is exactly how I like to see it. Her stance is perpendicular to the net, which promotes good footwork and gets her hips turned. (If Ivanovic had started in a wide-open stance, which I don’t recommend, she would still need to coil her hips.) She’s got a nice bend in the legs and looks rather light on her feet. With her left hand she supports her racquet while her arms appear very relaxed.
2.This is a good example of staying on your toes and using little adjustment steps to get in perfect hitting position. Ivanovic has now taken her left hand off the racquet, but the arm stays up front for balance. You can use the off hand to facilitate the shoulder turn, but it should never go back with the racquet. The one minor gripe I have is that I think her racquet is up a little high on her backswing.
3.By setting up on her right leg, Ivanovic loads up her weight and readies to step forward into the shot. Note how her posture remains good during this process. Her left arm comes forward slightly as she prepares to rotate her upper body toward the net. The right arm begins to drop, taking the racquet with it, which is better technique than lowering the racquet with an extensive break in the wrist.
4.The racquet and hitting arm continue to drop to ball level. I like this because she’ll drive the shot from her shoulder, which helps generate more power. Ivanovic’s wrist is laid back just a little as she’s starting to get the racquet head behind the ball to drive the shot. You shouldn’t think of getting the racquet head under the ball unless you want to hit a lob.
5.Look how nicely Ivanovic hits the ball out in front with her eyes focused on contact. Her shoulders continue to open, allowing her to drive the racquet through impact. With her right foot coming off the court, you can tell that she has transferred her weight forward into the shot. The way her racquet is brushing up the back of the ball shows she’s applying plenty of topspin (a little too much for my taste), which gives her shot safety.
6.As she follows through, Ivanovic’s body has completely and beautifully opened up to the net. Her arms have moved out in front of her, and she’s still perfectly balanced. As her racquet slows, it will end up around her opposite shoulder. I’d like to see it more around her waist, which could give her more power. Still, this is a great-looking forehand.
Photos by David Kenas