The ATP vs WTA forehand technique comparison

Here are some of the common differences we see (or perhaps we used to see) between the "ATP" and "WTA" style forehands. 

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Typical characterisitics of an "ATP" style forehand:

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- Higher loop on backswing

- Elbow position higher at the end of the backswing

-Stronger non-dominant arm (held parallel to baseline for longer)

- Full swings stays to the right hand side of the body

- More racquet speed on forward swing

- More topspin or rip on the ball

- More space between the hitting arm and the side of the body on the forward swing

- A straight or straighter arm on contact

- More extension out through the ball after contact

- More use of the body in hip and leg drive

- More variation on the shot - height spin and and angles

- A better ability to push forward up the court and take the ball early and transition to the net

"Typical" characteristics of a WTA forehand:

- Backswing and therefore elbow position at the end of the backswing lower than men

- Non-dominant arm dropping off earlier

- Backswing often finishing behind the body (racquet visible from other end)

- Backswing sometimes goes "over the head" 

- Wrist can sometimes "break" at the end of the backswing - with the racquet pointing sideways rather than upwards

- Path of the racquet therefore sometimes comes "around" the body- rather than dropping down and then out

- A flatter path in the forward swing results in a flatter shot

- Racquet doesn't always "trail" hand ie palm doesn't always lead

- Arm almost bent or slightly bent on contact

- Due to swing path, follow through can be more "across" the body with less extension out through the target

- Result is often a flatter shot in general - less variation

- Typically females with this technique don't take the ball and transition to the net simultaneously (think Federer who does this incredibly well).

Some examples of top female players (you can view these players forehands on youtube.com) with "WTA" style forehands:

- Osaka

- Pliskova

- Svitolina

- Bencic

- Zvonareva

- Radwanska

- Ivanovic
- Cibulkova

- Petrova

- Halep

- Hingis

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Some examples of current top female players with "ATP" style forehands:

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- Barty

- Sabalenka

- Badosa

- Kenin

- Kvitova

- Muguruza

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What could be the possible reasons for female players having a "WTA" style forehand?

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- Physical - girls are stronger through their hips and don't have as much strength in the upper body

- Game style - less spin or variation required - more first strike tennis played

- Coaching influence?

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What implications does this have for coaches who are coaching elite junior female players?

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- Both styles work - the ATP style makes it easier for players to hit a variety of shots

- Coaches need to understand the differences and then coach the individual

- Girls can hit an ATP style forehand!

- The shot may evolve over time

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