Do you prefer to teach the conventional forehand, in which the arm is bent at contact, or the arm-stretched forehand that Federer and Nadal seem to use? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?—Yasufumi Terada
I have worked with so many students—Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Jimmy Arias, Serena Williams, Tommy Haas, Aaron Krickstein, etc.—and their forehands are very different. The key to the forehand is racquet head speed and a strong foundation. Keep in mind that your style of play will vary because of your grip and the type of forehand you are trying to hit, which might include lots of spin, medium spin, or driving the ball. I prefer the arm slightly away from the body when you start your initial backswing, by turning your hips and shoulders. On the forward swing, I suggest your arm and racquet are away from the ball. However, if your arm is totally straight before you make contact, this could result in very little racquet head speed, or throwing your hitting side at the ball.
Hi Nick, I normally take an early lead (something like 4-1) and then start losing points, even during easy rallies. Even if I’m ahead 40-0, I’ll lose the game. Eventually I lose the set. How can I deal with this?—Indrajit Sensarma
The best tip that I can give is what Andre Agassi said: “Play each point and do not think about what might happen, let the score take care of itself.” You cannot let your mind control you by saying, ‘When I get ahead, the same thing starts happening.’ You must understand that your battles seem to be in your favor and then go down not because of talent, but because you establish this in your mind before the match begins. Go out there and be a warrior, not a baby who always says: ‘Gee whiz, I get ahead and then fall apart.’ If not, try hopscotch—you might win!
Have a question for Nick? Write to him at asknick@tennis.com
Nick Bollettieri of the Bollettieri Tennis Academy has trained many collegiate and professional players, including 10 who reached the world No. 1 ranking.
