[jyy82993]

I have become bored of my full western forehand and my double handed backhand. I have been playing tennis for about a year now. I started out with an eastern forehand and backhand but for some reason I just can not execute these strokes anymore. I know there are limits to all the strokes in tennis but I will not explain why I want to go back to the eastern.

Can any of you break down the mechanics of both the eastern forehand and backhand for me. I have been watching a few videos of players who use an eastern forehand and I have observed that their elbow is slightly bent throughout the entire stroke from start to finish. Should I do this or am I just looking at it wrong?

[Topspin Sports]

You may be analyzing too much. Truthfully, I recommend the semi-western forehand (thats what most tour players are using). Eastern backhand is good though.

In terms of shot mechanics, Your arm will never be completely straight, whether you like it or not. Secondly, do not TRY and bend your elbow, this will force your arm to finish your stroke too quickly. You want to hit OUT on the ball first, then follow through arcoss your body. If you intentionally bend your elbow you will never get this.

In fact, i would attempt to keep your arm straight when you bring it back therefore it will be straight when it comes forward. This will give you the most power on your shots. The only time you will see pros with noticably bent arms is when they are hitting a high ball!

Hopefully that helps. I am a USPTA pro and run the site TopspinSports.