New rackets and grips mean more power and accuracy, but also the potential for increased injury. Techniques used to hit the tennis forehand stroke have changed drastically over the last 10 years. Most of the top amateur and professionals players use a "modern" version of the topspin forehand stroke, rather than the traditional forehand stroke. Players using the traditional forehand stroke were instructed to use an eastern forehand grip (shake hands with the racket), a closed stance (stand sideways to the net) with a straight racket backswing, and a forward arm swing pivoting from the shoulder. Today`s styles of forehand strokes use a variety of such techniques as semiwestern and western grips, open stances (players stand facing the net), circular racket back-loops, and multisegment forward swings. Many of the changes in forehand technique can be attributed to the design of modern rackets. The new rackets are bigger, lighter, and stiffer than rackets used in the past, allowing more players, even recreational players, to hit the ball with more power and control.1,2 Brody2 explained that with the old heavy rackets, an average player needed a long smooth swing to accelerate and control the racket. Racket control was crucial due to the small size and location of the "sweet spot," which made the racket sensitive to off-center impacts. New rackets are more forgiving of off-center hits due to the larger sweet spots; and the larger frames provide more stability against twisting from off-center impacts, which results in fewer errors.
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