cher@ihlpm.UUCP (Mike Cherepov) (12/13/85)
> are something, but they get fairly predictable and downright murder > when the other guy is at net. Actually, though, my problem off and on > is with my forhand. I learned to play with the "Borg" open stance > forehand when I was young, but switched to a more conventional one > a few years back. The problem is that I find myself waiting too long > sometimes, which makes my shots go deep, without much topspin. But > I guess what is necessary is just more of "you didn't get your > racquet (sp?) back early enough" syndrome. Well, same thing happened to me, I've forced myself to step in on the forehand. Probably because of some time spent watching Stan Smith's strokes. But I still have semi-western grip on the forehand and my biggest trouble are probably wide balls on the forehand side: it is hard to get around to hit with any kind of power: the result is lots of topspin on a very short return. But then again, Wilander himself is having a similar problem. Also, it's hard to chip returns. More later......... -- Mike Cherepov
jsl@princeton.UUCP (Jong Lee) (12/13/85)
> But I still have semi-western grip on the forehand and my biggest trouble > are probably wide balls on the forehand side: it is hard to get around > to hit with any kind of power: the result is lots of topspin on a very short > return. oddly enough, wide forehands are not really a problem for me; that is, given that I can reach it. I think the realization that it is a tough shot makes me prepare early without thinking consciously about it. True it is hard to hit with as much pace as a normal shot because your weight is going sideways, but I find switching my grip to an extreme eastern makes it a heck of a lot easier to go cross-court with reasonable pace (why cross-court? hit a down the line and the other guy will eat you alive (unless he is at net, of course). But all in all, it's execution that counts, and all that I have said about grips and preparation is hooey if the shots don't go. Case in point, I just got back from playing this evening; jeez, talk about horrible consistensy! I think though, the problem was that my partner hit very flat shots, which gives me even less time to prepare (why can't girls emulate Borg instead of Evert!). The few week layoff didn't help either. blah, blah, blah, excuses, excuses. jsl@princeton