O.K., this is not the prettiest stroke. It takes allot of energy and does not maximize pace or power. It is, however, an absolutely essential adjunct to the Millennium Forehand.
The stroke produces a ball with extreme topspin and only moderate pace. It is the weapon-of-choice for handling a short, low ball because the heavy top keeps the ball short. It is also excellent for hitting extreme angles to chase your opponent off court, for putting the ball at the net rusher's feet and for hitting the topspin lob. I would sot use it as my bread-and-butter forehand when rallying behind the baseline because it tends to sit up and say 'punish me!', and if I had to hit four of these in a row my heart would explode. Sharapova uses this variation frequently, but she is bigger, stronger and younger than I am.
|