The Philosophy of Iga Swiatek’s Forehand

Key Points

• “Active preparation” or small steps gives you more options and faster decision making when taking balls on the rise or at their highest point

• Michal was always looking for Iga to hit the ball at the highest point or the top of the bounce

• The tempo and pace of balls on the pro tour helped Iga develop a heavier spin forehand

• Iga developed the “reverse forehand” or “buggy whip forehand” which rounded out her forehand and helped her generate more spin when in defensive positions

• Teaching Iga the run-around forehand from an early age helped her recognise balls she could attack

• The combination of a bent arm and extending through contact at the last moment generated heavy spin with a lower trajectory