In this discussion, we take a look at the differences between the Type One and Type Two high forehands. Later lessons feature further analysis in still photos and rollovers.

Below are Shockwave movies of the Type One and Type Two forehands as seen from the side. On the left is Type One, and on the right is Type Two.

Type One is more appropriate for the open stance, whereas Type Two favors the closed or neutral stance. Type One relies on the shoulder being pulled back as if at attention; Type Two assumes that the elbow is in front of the body plane and relies more heavily on the upper arm rotation. The role of the shoulder is to provide stability and to provide some acceleration from the chest muscle. In Type One, the upper arm rotation is minimal since the power comes from the shoulder being used to drive the racquet forward.