Why most older players shouldn't use a racket lag on their forehand

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When you watch professional tennis players or college players they all use a racket lag on their forehand. But just because the pro’s do it, it doesn’t mean it’s the most optimal forehand everyone. In this video I explain why that is and what you might need to focus on instead.

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[TennisHacker]

HOW TO USE BRAIN BASED TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR TIMING

[baysbill]

Since I am 70, but still trying to improve, videos like this are helpful to evaluate what I am doing and what I may or may not be able to develop. Thanks!

[z]

Absolutely right! The best technique sometime is not the best for every one. Versatile is more important for most recreational players.

[pawelfronczyk]

This is true not only for older players, but I would say for MOST recreational players.Trying to duplicate pros will only give you injuries to different parts of your body over time.Simplicity is all you need.

[dgeraintr]

So grateful for this! At 62, took up the game last year … my game has improved considerably but my forehand has been going backwards as I drive myself nuts trying to implement the timing, the s-w grip, the racket pointing up, lag, whip etc. Can’t wait to get back out there and just simplify as per this instruction!

[opencurtin]

Great tip for us who never got coaching as kids .

[lex]

Just want to thank you thinking of us older players over 50. We still love playing the game. I’m 62 playing in a flex league and losing badly. But at least I’m out there trying to compete against younger faster players.

[mrkmcdngh]

super helpful video. i’m 58. played tennis growing up and for my hs. i’m a 4.0. continental grip and flat strokes. had my second lesson today on the modern forehand. i can wait to drop half of what i learned and try your suggestions! thank u!

[louisedyhlen]

what a lovely court: in the woods, silent and serene

[alfsearching]

My dear friend, you just gave me the best explanation of forehand lag - how it can happen - I have seen tens of videos repeatedly over the years! (you also solved the mystery of exact timing of the hip turn)? you also solved the mystery of how far in-front one must hit to have an effective lag. Thanks but I will keep trying. What's holding back in bicep tendonitis!!!

[cabforwardooo]

When I started playing tennis more seriously 45 years ago, I was criticized for using a wrist snap action on my forehand. I tried to get that under control, but the local pro recognized that it gave me more power on my shot. About five years ago a pro recommended using racquet lag to get more power, and it came quite naturally to me, and now at 72 I use it if I think about it, mainly on sitters. ;)

[rbutthamilton]

I found the racquet lag is useful only if the player has a relax wrist and able to “throw” the racquet at the ball. Most rec players’ wrists are simply too tense including mine at majority of the time especially when under pressure or contacting late.

[americantruth]

Bottom line is lag is only good if you are smart and can afford a pro to teach you correctly. You are right most players swing late or barely on time unless they either play over 20 hours a week or have been taught correctly. Most coaches don't know how to instruct on the lag and that is why they would say most older players shouldn't use it.

[Superdave]

Thank you for this very informative video. I have been trying to change to a semi-western grip after using an eastern forehand grip for like 50 years (I'm age 75). I did not realize until this video that the EF grip allowed you to contact the ball easier when your swing is a little late and not quite out in front as it should be. I remember Connors using the other player's pace and having a short but effective swing on his forehands as an example.

[allangumiran]

I've just learned this yesterday! LOL! My coach (beginner here, hiring a coach to get better) noticed that most of the time, I am late with my swing especially my backhand. He recommends that I simplify my strokes. This video really solidifies his lesson and explains it even in much better details! THANK YOU!

[peterbloink]

Finally, a forehand instruction that is practical for the player of only modest ability. Modern strokes are an improvement for good players and a welcome development of technique, but coaches forget that old school forehands by the top players of the day were still damn good shots hit with a surprising level of power. Elite players from the '50s and '60s who were not known for their forehands, still hit all their strokes, (with wooden rackets), better than your average modern club coach hits his ATP forehand with his carbon fibre racket. If I had Ken Rosewall's forehand stroke today, (not his much lauded backhand; his forehand), I'd be a far better club player than I am now !!!)

[manquex]

Jesus Crist, the YouTube algorithm show me this video and was exactly what my mind was searching for ., ...great tip sir!

[louhautdavid]

You're so right ! Remember Michael Chang's forehand? I think's it's a much more in between achievable movement despite the loop.

[lz-c]

Great explanation 👍🏻 now imagine playing „blind tennis“ tennis for blind and low vision … you don‘t have the visual system as we play with a „sound ball“ and see (depending on classification) the ball very very late! So early preparation is key but then sometimes you are able to get the raquet lag 👍🏻

[LaBambaCL]

took me a few years to push the contact point forward enough. i came to the same conclusion as you! but its been a learning, somewhat fun experience.