In this discussion, we present a variation on the open-stance third defensive forehand that involves adding some upper arm rotation. Compare the initial position below left with that of the third defensive forehand previously discussed. A key point is that the upper arm rotation must be completed before the elbow gets in front of the body plane, unlike any other forehand we have discussed. Failure to do this will reduce your chances of driving the racquet forward from the shoulder to obtain acceleration.
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Below left we see that the upper arm rotation has been completed and that the racquet is being driven forward from the shoulder to gain some speed. Below right is the rollover that illustrates the transition. At this point, the stroke is the same as in the standard stroke.
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Below left we see the strike stage and below right the rollover showing the transition, which is still the same as in the standard stroke.
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