We have found that a very common error in executing the forehand is that players think that they are in the contraction position when actually they have advanced straight to the rotation position. This misconception is inherent in most normal people's perception of their movement. Below left is a rollover sequence illustrating the correct takeback to contraction transition, and below right is the more common takeback to rotation transition that does not pass through the contraction stage. If you move from the takeback position directly to the rotation position. it is very likely that you will mistakenly further rotate the racquet or even advance the wrist to compensate for this error in judgment and, as a result, shear the ball or fail to get a good clean hit.

The racquet remains oriented with the butt pointing to the ball during contraction.	The racquet has begun to turn before the contraction stage is complete.

If you have this problem, what you must do is to readjust your perceptions. You can do this by experimenting with keeping the racquet butt pointed toward the ball longer than you think reasonable. Do this with really exaggerated movements that might even result in missing the ball altogether. It may take several days before you begin discovering that, by keeping the racquet's butt pointing toward the ball longer than you imagine necessary, you start to improve your contact.

	The racquet has begun to turn before the contraction stage is complete.

We cannot stress enough that normal human perception has this misalignment that is yet unexplained by science and that you must take very definite measures if you are to develop enough sensory data to "fix" this misalignment. This can only be done by experimenting with maintaining the butt pointing toward the ball longer than seems necessary before you rotate. Further, you might not even be able to sense the rotation, even though it has occurred.

The fact is that rotation often occurs naturally without sensory feedback, thus leaving you with the impression that you still need to rotate. This fact takes quite some time to work out, so be patient.