NDH. I did have a big issue with my lack of relaxation then I posted my first post which was some days ago. I have worked on it over last few days and feel I am getting on top of it, at least against the robot. The last email feedback from my pro level coach was more positive.
Feel free to comment about this technical aspect in a forehand. Maybe a forehand this way is more unreliable for club players?
The video above this post is just like my old forehand where you start with a straight arm before the forward swing. What I am talking about is different. I think this Chinese style forehand creates more racket head speed in a more effortless way based on my limited practice to date.
I'm interested in others experience.
Hi Maurice, I'll try and be as constructive as possible.
I think a lot of this depends on what your end goal is.
Against a robot, where footwork isn't important, I can see why you may feel this is an improvement, and if you are only focussed on this (playing against a robot and not playing real world matches) then I would carry on doing what you are doing.
However, I personally don't believe this will transfer very well to real world matches for 2 reasons.
1. The footwork is arguably the most important thing here, and you have to ask yourself if you have the speed to side step quickly enough to be in position each time?
2. The extra physicality of the stroke is likely to have an overall negative effect on your game.
However, some tips on the stroke itself.
When you play it in your video, you have a very big shoulder turn with your head looking towards the camera.
You really want to keep that head quite still, looking forwards, not sideways. If you look at the Zhang Jike video you linked to, his head barely moves.
His shoulders are also very square to the table, with the power coming from the wide leg stance and the hip movement.
Focussing on the wrist, your shadow stroke was much more "wristy", in that you dropped tension in your wrist, before "whipping" it through with your arm.
Personally, I'm a fan of that style of technique, and I think it gives you multiple options and better disguise down the line.
But.... Looking at the ZJ video, his wrist doesn't "break" in the same way - His entire arm, does what your wrist is doing.
On to the feet - The power builds from the floor up. If you take your left foot off the floor (like you do in the video), in order to turn your body, you are losing all the power you need to build and relying too much on arm speed and strength.
Think of it like a coil - With the feet planted (like ZJ), the power travels through the legs and hips, and the arm is a mere passenger. You can't get that sort of power if you are lifting your foot in order to twist.
I think it's important to remember that the shots you are trying to recreate are done by people who have trained their entire life to be the very best, are in peak physical condition and have the physical ability to perform the shots without getting injured! 😂
If you are simply trying to recreate the shot to use on a robot, I would carry on, as you can easily improve on a few little things that will make a difference.
If you are wanting to improve your matchplay, I really don't think this is the way to go.