The Loop Forehand vs. The Straight Back Forehand: Which is better?

Tennis Sarasota

Years ago, players like Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe hit their Forehand using what's called a straight back forehand or a traditional forehand. Here is a video of Connors here for reference. https://youtu.be/wWnPUYAFQwg?si=FzA4BUX5FLiwyMcv

Today, the straight back forehand has largely been replaced by what's called the Loop Forehand. The main difference between the two is that with the straight back FH, as you turn your shoulders the racquet remains low. With the Loop FH, as you turn, the racquet stays high at shoulder height or above and the stroke takes the shape of a letter "C" Here is an example by Djokovich... https://youtu.be/Nw_2I2ksX3U?si=oXH4-pkYB8aBhSBo

So which is better you ask? The Loop FH is generally considered by most teaching professionals to be superior to the straight back. The reason has to do with momentum and gravity. By taking the tennis racquet back high, it allows you to accelerate the racquet when you drop it as you swing. Gravity helps with the acceleration. The Loop FH gives you greater power and greater topspin than the straight back. So it is the preferred stroke in today's game.

I teach most of my students the loop FH even beginners and juniors. Many students are able to do it. However, there is a significant minority that have difficulty grasping the stroke. With these students, many times they do well with the straight back FH. If that is the case, rather than spending many hours and not getting very far with the loop, I will use the straight back FH.

Sometimes you have to break from the cookie cutter approach and tailor it to the student's individual's needs. Ultimately, it is the result that is most important. Sure, you will lose some power but it will still be a more than adequate stroke especially at the recreational level..

If you would like to know more about this topic or how can it be applied to your own game, you can get in contact with me or book a one on one On-court private coaching session, I will be happy to help you achieve your Tennis Goals!