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Pronation and the Wrist

A key principle of top level strokes is what I call the "game of catch-up". You pull the racket, butt cap first, almost to the ball. This causes the racket to lag behind. Just before contact, the wrist and racket "catch up" to the rest of the arm, generating racket head speed.

For the serve, the wrist and racket not only "catch up" to the rest of the arm, but it also rotates into contact. So the wrist comes forward and turns/rotates into contact, generating tremendous racket head speed.

The angle between the racket and forearm go from 90 degrees to almost inline with the forearm. Not only does the wrist come forward, but the entire hand twists into contact so that the strings are flat with the ball. This forward torque causes tremendous racket head speed.

The Waiter's Tray Mistake

Johannson pulls the racket, butt cap first towards contact. Just before contact, the wrist will come forward and rotate into the ball. This forward torquing motion creates tremendous racket head speed.