Why "The Federer Forehand"?

Tennis has changed a lot since I began playing it 18 years ago. Heroes come and go. Every era has its posterboy who defines how the dominant game is played. McEnroe's net game, Lendl's power groundstrokes, Wilander's speed, Becker's serve, Edberg's serve-and-volley, Sampras' all-court game.

Now Roger Federer holds that torch.

While Federer's game is good, or great, all-around (I don't consider his backhand a 'weak' side at all), I think if there's one thing you don't want to let him do, is take a forehand.

It is elegant, it is graceful, it is wicked, it is intimidating, it is virtually all the tennis superlatives you can come up with. He can hit it flat, viciously spun, short or deep, sharp angled or straight down the line.

Yet it is a simple stroke. It is classic in every sense. It is the perfect execution of all the tennis fundamentals that you and I were taught. Sure he shanks it once in a while, but to me it is the most effective stroke in the history of tennis. Period.

In my bid to share knowledge and passion for this game, I will try to answer every question you have on the game, and hopefully improve your game in the process.

Most of the articles here are inspired by my playing partners. In their quest to play better tennis, I am often asked for tips and pointers, mostly on techniques and execution.

It is also important to realize that it is not enough to just read articles, watch videos and study pictures. You have to go out and experiment. Try making shots in a real match situation. It is the only way to internalize what you have learnt, and incorporate them into your game.

Some tips may work for others but not yourself, so don't be afraid to try different ways to make the shot. Once you understand the fundamentals and reason behind it, it'll become easier to self-correct.

The best way to stop improving is to get stuck in the old ways (unless it is already flawless of course). For different results, you have to do things differently.

Finally, I hope you find what you are looking for here, if not you can always post me a message. Don't forget to let me know who you are and where you are writing from. Thanks and happy improving!