Andy Roddick: Forehand Closeup

Andy Roddick is the impersonation of the modern forehand. He gets tremendous shoulder rotation, creates a remarkable amount of topspin and uses an (extreme) semi-westerngrip. In this video I focus on his grip and how he creates topspin. Picture credits: CBSsports
Video Rating: 4 / 5




15 Responses to “Andy Roddick: Forehand Closeup”

  1. slatz20 says:

    This forehand almost F A I L E D

  2. cys12141 says:

    26 dumb people thought this guy’s commentary (?) was useful. Shame on them.

  3. fishysk8 says:

    This was not a regular forehand shot imo. It looks more like a windscreen wiper from the look of the follow through. What do u reckon?

  4. coldplaywave says:

    Andy Roddick has improved a lot his tennis style since he’s coached by Larry Stefanki.Hope he’ll win once again a major this year!

  5. GueorguiJoukov says:

    Concerning the semi-western, it is very practical for the swing path it allows you to have; as you so well explains higher, Roddick drives his racker upward and he extends into the court. That grips forces you to brush the ball if you want to make contact well in front.

    I’ve changed my grip from eastern to semi-western since my skin has been scratched in my hand. Could change back, but the top spin is so wicked. 4-6 feet above the net with a lot of pace and still lands well inside; too nice.

  6. GueorguiJoukov says:

    @mytennis4you

    An eastern grip requires a very peculiar swing and will indeed result in more flat balls if it is not used properly. But, when as the ball rise higher, it is easier to keep it inside. The problem with very low shots is that you have to raise them from the ground before the spin pulls it down – flater shots played off high balls bounces really high and it is easy to rip an eastern gripped FH off your shoulders.

  7. GueorguiJoukov says:

    @sephkyle

    My friend, you should never push a shot; a good shot is always laid down the court. Of course, it can get around the high 90′s mph, but even such a shot is simply laid down. You should feel your arm going forward and accelerating through the air.

    If you do this, you’ll never get injured. Federer is injury free because he has the most fluent swing of all; copy this part of his play: having a smooth and graceful swing. Anyway, even an Eastern grip can swing your wrist in a similar way.

  8. kostyaspartak says:

    Roddick uses an extreme simi-western. He is very close to werstern!

  9. sephkyle says:

    If you are going to use this grip make sure to exercise your wrist and use a heatpack before you play… also ice it after. It puts enormous strain on your wrist. I’ve been injured for 1.5 weeks now due to that grip.. your body has to be aligned right or else you can really screw yourself up.

  10. kid43332 says:

    Yeah come on I mean that is SOO obvious!

    =/

  11. xxx0ox0 says:

    u guy are idiots he is using a semi like the video says look at the palm of his hand

  12. effava says:

    come on…that’s clearly a western grip!

  13. Bdubbs09 says:

    Wow… I like Roddick too, but these guys love talking him up like he is Pete Sampras or Roger Federer. Heck I think Tsonga and djokovic have better forehands

  14. GtrEvo says:

    what a nasty forehand like nadal same grip nasty ugly hit , but effective

  15. FairwayJack says:

    Andy is the personification of the modern forehand. Another great one!!  5/5

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