What is the correct way to do a tennis forehand?

Question

I just got a coach, and he is deconstructing my forehand.

I'm a right hander with a semi-western forehand

He told me use my left hand to square off from the racquet. (holding the throat of the racquet then letting go) Then to use my left hand to point at the incoming ball.

Then he told me to take my racquet only shoulder width apart. I usually take my racquet back further about a foot or 2 from my body.

Then he told me to make a right angle with my racquet and right arm with the racquet face pointing at the fence across from me, perpendicular from the net.

Then he told me that I must point the racquet where I want to go, with the racquet butt pointing to my heart. He told me that I must hit the 6'o clock part of my racquet, the southern most part. Before, I hit it right in the sweetspot, not the 6 o'clock part.

He also told me that I should ALWAYS catch my racquet with my left hand without doing a follow through. Before, I just follow through over the shoulder.

Answer 1

It sounds like your coach is attempting to teach you a modern forehand.  

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss what he says though.  It really depends what stage of development you are in.  

The video that the guy above me posted is obviously directed towards beginner players because he is talking about not using any wrist, etc., which is something you do teach beginners, but I don't think it applies to advanced games.

Try and tell Federer and Nadal (especially!) that they're not to supposed to use their wrists!

Answer 2

it sounds to me like your coach is an idiot. what you were doing is the right thing :) i know everyone who has taught me taught me to do what you explained you did before. check out this video. this man explains the forehand very well.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZvlm1b7a...

so check it out. i hope i helped:)