Dear Nick, what are your thoughts on hitting two single-handed forehands, rather than a forehand and a backhand? I’ve got good coordination in both hands, and have little trouble switching hands. I get more power, reach and control this way. Have you ever taught this to a player? And why haven’t we seen it on either tour yet?—Charles Armstrong
I have always been off the cuff and open with my teaching. I’ve taught swinging volleys, the open-stance killer forehand, two-handed strokes from both sides, etc. but to date I have not taught anyone to use two single-handed forehands. Anything is possible, but here’s the problem: Each person seems to have a dominant side. You’re setting yourself up for a weaker shot by not using your better hand on it. To have a chance to make it on tour like this, you would not only have to start out playing this way, but try to do off-court activities like eating, throwing, catching, etc. with both hands. And your work in the gym must give equal time to both sides. As I said, nothing’s impossible, but don’t expect to win a Grand Slam hitting two single-handed forehands.
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Hi Nick, I’m teaching a 14-year-old and I’m having difficulty improving his footwork and increasing his speed. Any suggestions?<em>—Abu Suroor, Saudi Arabia</em>**
When Venus and Serena Williams were six and seven, their father, Richard Williams, told them to hit every ball wherever it lands. The girls asked, “Daddy, suppose it’s way out?” Richard said, “I don’t care, run and hit it.” This improved their initial reaction to the ball. By reacting to every ball without hesitation, it got them to the ball sooner. Does your student have a good ready position? His feet should be spread apart the width of his shoulders, weight slightly forward, arms and racquet away from his body. You also can have him perform a variety of quick reaction drills including jumping rope, running and obstacle courses. Most important is to recognize the oncoming ball before it bounces and move accordingly. You need to read the speed, direction, height and spin of the ball as soon as possible.
Hello Nick, do you have any tips on how I can recover more quickly for the next shot? Whenever I hit my forehand, it takes me quite a lot of time to get back in position. Because of this I often find myself using the reverse followthrough (over my hitting shoulder). My forehand is most effective when my followthrough wraps around my bicep area. What’s your advice?—Anant Chowdhary, New Delhi, India
Step in with your front foot and during the swing make sure your weight comes from the rear foot to the front foot. As you are making contact with the ball make sure your rear foot comes forward and is spread out the width of your shoulders. When your foot lands, push off with a cross over step to be ready for the next ball.
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.
