For twenty years or so, a very young cowboy has referred to this shot as a
‘Glory shot.’
Many coaches call it as a ‘reverse’ forehand. Australian John Newcombe used it effectively on the low bounces at Wimbledon in the late sixties and they called it ‘the buggy whip.’
Should it be in your toolkit?
It’s worth a try.
It can magnify a player’s sense for topspin by encouraging them to get outside the ball. Newcombe, Sampras, Nadal…and all other great players know it can give the low ball more initial elevation to take the net out of the game.
Pros know they can also make the ball curve like a bowler aiming for the 1-3 pocket by doing the reverse finish.
Why…Kim Clijsters and Jennifer Capriati even drove the high ball with this shot like the junior pictured here.
Young kids and 3.0 players can learn it too. Natalie was a 2.8 player ten years ago and picked it up in about ten minutes.
Ahhhh…the glory shot!
Turning defense to offense when opponents least expect it.
To see this at its best…Google Ivan Lendl vs. Pete Sampras Forehand Masters. The first point is actually against Boris Becker and it’s all you need to see.
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