Bollettieri Q&A: Ramping Up Racquet-Head Speed

Dear Nick, how can I increase racquet speed on my swings?—Phil, Westminster, Calif.
Racquet-head speed is the speed at which the racquet moves at contact. Players must create a strong foundation to have both high swing speeds and control. It’s best to hit from an open to neutral stance, not a closed stance. To get the most speed, you must align the butt cap of your racquet to the oncoming ball at the beginning of your forward swing. This will give you the greatest amount of leverage. One warning: Do not try to muscle the ball. You must relax your grip and hitting arm. Your solid foundation and flexible arms must work together to create acceleration, like the crack of a whip.

What’s the best way to learn how to change your grip and stance from forehand to backhand? I know the grips, but find myself running out of time and resorting instead to the easier sliced backhand.—Rahul Kumar
To break this habit, you must tell yourself that hitting a slice is not an option under any circumstances. Try this for a few months. Concentrate on the ball and try to determine its height, direction, spin and speed as early as possible. If you can react a fraction of a second sooner, you’ll have more time adjust your grip.

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.