AboutJim Leupold Expertise I feel very confident answering any questions regarding technical aspects of the game -
from stroke production to strategy. My strengths, because of my extensive training, is
keeping the game very simple, energy-efficient and effective, eliminating injuries and
mistakes at the same time.
Experience I've been the director of tennis and teaching tennis fulltime for 21 years, 19 at one of the top tennis resorts in the US and the world, the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA. I've traveled to 20 countries around the world, playing and teaching tennis and performing comedic and entertaining tennis shows. I work with Peter Burwash International (PBI), a company which trains professionals for 400 hours before the first lesson can be taught. That's compounded by continuing education, including a mandatory 60-hour annual meeting and 360 educational newsletters from PBI professionals received every year.
Organizations Peter Burwas International (PBI), the world's foremost tennis management company with 90 professionals in 20 countries worldwide
Education/Credentials I received a B.A. in Journalism in 1985.
Awards and Honors * Tennis Magazine's Ten Greatest Tennis Resorts - twice
* Tennis Magazine's 50 Greatest Tennis Resorts - every year since 1990
* TennisResortsonline.com - Always in the Top 75 Resorts in the world - always in top 25 and as high as #3.
* PBI Rookie of the Year runnerup
* PBI Most Improved Professional of the Year
* PBI Professional of the Year
* Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa's Customer Service Manager of the Year
Expert: Jim Leupold Date: 6/3/2008 Subject: Forehand
Question Hi,
I was wondering about hitting a forehand using a full western grip. When hitting the ball, should I keep my wrist stiff throughout the entire swing motion or let it be a little loose?
Thanks for the help!
Answer Dear Edwin,
You should almost never keep your wrist stiff in tennis...not unless you like pain, soreness, tiredness and visiting orthopedic surgeons!
We're hitting a two-ounce ball. You really need only to squeeze your bottom three fingers firmly enough to keep the racquet from twisting in your hands. Much more than that and you end up working to hard it looks like you're hitting a bowling ball!
Most players with a western grip hit a lot of topspin. Spin is generated very poorly with a tight hand. Spin has to be created. If you're stiff, you're simply not creative.
Best of luck.
Jim Leupold
PBI Director of Tennis
Desert Springs, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa
