Hips Rotation on Forehand – how much rotation based on how far you are from the table. Hip rotation on every shot?
igorgoga asked 6 years ago
Hello Guys,
I take some lessons (I am in the 40s) and the coach is very adamant about hips rotation on a forehand drive multiball routine. I find it easier to rotate when I am more away from the table.
My question is: how important is such rotation when you are close to the table and if so, how to work on such hips rotation flexibility.
Also on backhand- should there be a very slig
igorgoga answered 6 years ago
Also on backhand- should there be a very slight body (hips) movement forward and not just the arm?
maurice101I can comment on your backhand as this is an area I am working on. This is my take on this though i am an adult learner too. In your backhand there is no body movement to support the arm movement. Watch the pros. They bend forward from the waist, then unbend from the waist. Also some rotation to bring the shoulder forward. This movement causes the right shoulder to go back as they unwind. This supports the whip movement back as the unwinding occurs just before the arm goes forward and forward movement of the racket. Shadow the swing to feel the body propelling the arm forward. This helps your arm movement to be more relaxed and faster.
They also do this bend movement on blocks and counter hits on the backhand. See video. The whip action on he backhand is one area you need to add to get a better backhand too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVyVA8q9rfY&feature=youtu.be
On your forehand i feel you need to use more bending of your left leg to get more of a lean of your body to the right. You are too upright in the stroke. Look at the video above and see how they use the movement of the knees and legs during the stroke. The left knee goes forward and down during the backswing causing the body to have a lean.
igorgogaIt’s interesting that on BH, he has the elbow out- to help with the whip
Yes well spotted. I think that the elbow comes out at the start of the back whip process supported by the bend forward. In my stroke my coach wanted my arm to be straighter and bat closed before the back whip. More like a J. I think that this allows the elbow to come out more to get a good whip. Try throwing a frisky 45 degrees up to get the correct whip. I find you must wait more to do this sort of stroke as any delay in the backswing back position (ben?) causes the whip not to work fully. If you get a good whip your power and spin will go up 30% or more. The top players have the handle pointing at the opponent at the end of the whip. Check your video to see how far back you go. Most coaches I have experienced do not talk about how the body supports the whip mechanics and the subtle delay in arm to body movement.
If you have not got a frisby try a playing card held between the first 2 fingers. See how far you can flick the card 45 drgrees. Try elbow back to see how this limits speed.
Tom Academy Coach answered 6 years ago
Hi igorgoga, yes rotation in the body and hips is important for both backhand and forehand. Rotation is slightly less when at the table because you have less time but it’s still important to use this in all shots. From watching the video one reason you may be finding it hard to rotate is your feet position, sometimes your right for comes actually slightly in front of your left, your right foot needs to be further back, behind your left foot especially for your forehand, this will make rotation and recovery much easier for you!
