In this lesson, we discuss the variations that are needed to play at the professional level. In the figure below, Jelena Dokic illustrates four variations on her forehand, which are labeled for cross-referencing with our lessons. In each variation, the shoulder, upper arm, and acceleration stages differ.

In the first panel, the front of the shoulder is used to accelerate the upper arm. In the second panel, the back of the shoulder is used as the source of acceleration. In the third panel, the upper arm will likely rotate before the elbow is in front of the body plane. In the fourth panel, the racquet is driven through like a jab in boxing.

For the semi-open stance, repeated here to the far left, Dokic is in a position to take the offensive without having to run to the ball. Note that the racquet is still being pulled forward as the elbow begins to move in front of the body plane. For the closed stance to the immediate left, Dokic is hitting on the run and is in no position to deliver the most forceful blow to the ball. In this case, she bends at the waist to permit the elbow to be positioned in front of the body plane by pulling through from the shoulder. This maneuver provided Dokic with a means of seizing the offensive on a short ball.

To the far right, it appears that Dokic is practicing, whereas to the near right, she is engaged in a match. To the near right, judging from the moderately placed foot position, she had to return an aggressively struck ball from a suboptimal position. In such cases, a defensive forehand is in order. However, if an amateur were on the receiving end of this stroke, it would not seem defensive.

Copyright notice: The rights for commercial use of the photos on this page have been obtained from the originator of the photos, Pierre Cantin. Original clear 4X6 copies of these photos can be obtained at http://buytennisphotos.com/ for $2.00 each.