The Buggy Whip Tennis Forehand: A Non-Conventional Stroke Worth Learning
The tennis forehand is one of the most fundamental and iconic shots in the game. It’s a shot that every tennis player wants to perfect to be able to compete at a high level. Today, we’re going to talk about a specific type of forehand that has gained popularity in recent years - the buggy whip forehand (also known as the reverse forehand).
The buggy whip is a forehand variation in which the racket arm extends further from the body, and involves taking the ball later and hitting it with a lot of topspin, causing the ball to bounce high and deep into the opponent’s court. It's called a buggy whip because the arm movement resembles the cracking of a buggy horsewhip.
Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has made this forehand move famous and has used it to dominate his opponents on clay courts. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this shot.
The Grip
This shot requires a semi-western grip, which means that the base knuckle of your index finger should be positioned on the fourth bevel of the racket handle. This grip will allow you to generate more topspin on the ball and still hit it with ample power.
The Swing
To execute the buggy whip forehand correctly, you’ll need to take the racket back early and wait for the ball to drop. With this shot, the ball is hit slightly later than with a traditional forehand. As a result, you’ll need to wait for a split second longer before making contact with the ball.
Hitting a buggy whip forehand calls for you to use the power from your arm and shoulder as opposed to relying on your legs or torso like when executing a regular forehand. To maximise your energy, remember that your arm's momentum should be used. Also, be sure that you finish the swing high with the racket over your head.
The great Novak Djokovic uses the buggy whip forehand on occasions too
When Should You Use It?
The buggy whip forehand should generally be used in three instances: when off balance and being pushed back to behind the baseline, hitting a low ball, or while running and hitting. For any other situations, it is best to use the orthodox forehand stroke where your racket finishes across your opposite shoulder.
Hitting When Off Balance
If your opponent's shot leaves you off-balance and out of position, the buggy whip forehand can be the stroke to get you back into position. The ball may have bounced higher than anticipated or perhaps you're scrambling to return a shot. In any case, the buggy whip forehand with its more vertical arc gives you ample power even when your body isn't exactly in sync. For maximum control and efficiency while executing it, try to hit at waist height.
With the buggy whip forehand, you get impressive racket velocity because your swing gains power as it accelerates through contact with the ball and then has plenty of room for completion above your head.
When you're facing a hard-hitting opponent who is pushing you back behind the baseline, the buggy whip forehand is a good stroke to use. Since your body weight might be shifting back while you are returning the shot, this stroke allows for an unrestricted swing and generates more power, helping get you out of the sticky situation.
Hitting A Low Ball
Hitting a low ball can be difficult, but the buggy whip forehand is here to help. Focus on using your wrist and start with a lower backswing than you normally would, because this technique effectively requires you to get the racket under the ball and brush up its back for maximum power. Once mastered, this whipping motion will easily give that extra bit of spinny force needed!
Hitting On The Run
The buggy whip forehand can be a game-changing move when you're hitting the ball on the run. With this powerful shot, you'll be able to pass your opponent by hitting with enough topspin and accuracy. It's an invaluable tool for any tennis player looking to catch their opponent off guard and win the point.
When you are on the run, you may also use the buggy whip as a defensive shot instead of trying to hit a passing shot winner. If you are hitting a defensive shot, make an effort to send the ball higher and focus on generating more spin than power. The advantage of hitting a high shot is that you'll have extra time to get back in position for the next one!
The buggy whip forehand is a powerful stroke that can help you get out of tight situations, hit low balls with spin and power, or even surprise your opponent when hitting on the run. With the right grip and technique, this shot can give you an edge over your opponents on the court. Keep in mind to use it judiciously as any other tennis stroke since too much reliance on one type of stroke will make you predictable in matches. Mastering the buggy whip forehand requires practice but once acquired, it’ll be another valuable weapon for winning points!