TennisSpeed Research: A Roadmap to a Hall-of-Fame Forehand: Part 10

After a very long stretch of time focusing on coaching live players and getting their college (or pro) plans on track and in order, let’s return to our conversation about optimal topspin forehand mechanics by reviewing the key concepts we’ve covered thus far by completing a "quiz" to assess your mastery of the key concepts behind the execution of today's greatest topspin forehands.

The quiz questions are ordered in their “degree of difficulty”, with the initial questions being somewhat easier than the later ones. Also, feel free to consult previous posts at anytime so you will refresh and reinforce the correct concepts.

Take your time over this holiday season to respond thoughtfully – and if you are truly expert in this subject, each (correct) response shouldn’t take more than a sentence or maybe two, if that.

And, as is our convention here in this part of the blogosphere, let's stick to anatomical terminology when describing and analyzing the movements involved in this vital element of pro tennis performance.

I believe this exercise will go a long way to either consolidating your knowledge and understanding of how to create Hall-of-Fame-worthy topspin forehand mechanics (for those of you out there who have been following this blog so patiently - for which I am grateful) or assessing if your current, theoretical/conceptual understanding of topspin forehand mechanics actually matches the reality demonstrated so spectacularly by today's stars (for those of you new to this blog).

I’ll post an answer key soon after the New Year arrives…

PART 1 – BASIC QUESTIONS

Why is spin production on the topspin forehand so critical to the effectiveness of this stroke in today’s pro game?

What impact location on the string bed is correlated with higher (top-)spin production compared with a “central impact” on the string bed?

What impact location on the string bed is correlated with lower (top-)spin production compared with a “central impact” on the string bed?

What is the position of the racquet face in the topspin forehand of the majority of the current ATP Top 10 at the end of their respective backswings?

What is the position of the racquet face in the topspin forehand of the majority of the current ATP Top 10 just before they initiate their forward swing to impact?

What is the position of the racquet face in the topspin forehand of the majority of the current ATP top 10 at the moment of impact?

PART 2 - ADVANCED QUESTIONS

True or False? The positioning of the racquet face alone is the most critical factor in determining overall topspin forehand performance? If false, explain what factors are also involved.

What is the optimal position of the racquet face in the following two points in the follow-through phase of the topspin forehand:

When the racquet arm first reaches shoulder height?

At the completion of the stroke?

What are the 2 fundamental changes in the overall racquet motion – swing path and racquet face position – in the topspin forehand mechanics employed by current Top Players compared with previous generations of tour-level players?

What is the position of the racquet face in the topspin forehand of the majority of the current ATP Top 10 in the “Impact Zone” – i.e. about 18 inches before and after ball impact on the string bed?

What is the difference (in percent) in the amount of (top-)spin produced at impact locations other than the center of the string bed?

Which of the following characteristics of a Top Player’s topspin forehand has the greatest influence on topspin production?

Grip?
Swing path of the racquet?
Arm Structure during the forward swing?
Racquet arm movement in the Impact Zone?
Position of the racquet hand just before the forward swing?
Position of the racquet hand at Impact?

Which of the following characteristics of a Top Player’s topspin forehand has the least influence on topspin production?

Grip?
Swing path of the racquet?
Arm Structure during the forward swing?
Racquet arm movement in the Impact Zone?
Position of the racquet hand just before the forward swing?
Position of the racquet hand at Impact?

BONUS QUESTION: Rank in descending order – from most important (“1”) to least important (“6”) – how important is each of the stroke characteristics listed above to topspin production in the forehand stroke?

What are the four (4) key characteristics of the racquet swing path used in the forward swing to Impact in today's Hall-of-Fame topspin forehands?

What is the average ball speed of a Top Player’s topspin forehand when rallying in a tour-level tennis match?

What is the average ball spin rate of a Top Player’s topspin forehand when rallying in a tour-level tennis match?

What are the key anatomical characteristics of the topspin forehand mechanics that have been used to win 32 of the past 40 Men’s Grand Slam singles championships?