Is forehand lag bad for your wrist?

Natural lag from a relaxed arm is how most good forehands work. Problems come from forcing the wrist or flicking at the ball. If you feel strain, slow down and let the body lead.

Why is my forehand stiff?

A tight grip and an arm-led swing kill lag. Holding the racquet more loosely and turning the body first usually frees the arm up.

How to Get Lag on Your Forehand (the Whip)

5 video lessons

The relaxed whip behind modern forehand power.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Lag is the moment in the forward swing when the body and hand pull forward while the racquet head trails behind, with the wrist relaxed and laid back. Then the racquet whips through to the ball. It stores and releases energy much like cracking a whip.

You cannot create lag by forcing the wrist back. It comes from a loose grip and arm, and a swing that starts with the legs and torso rather than the hand. Watching slow-motion forehands of Alcaraz and Sinner makes the pattern easy to see.

Key tips

Relax the grip and the wrist during the swing.
Start the forward swing with your hips and shoulders.
Let the racquet trail; do not flick it on purpose.
Film yourself in slow motion to check.

FAQ

Is forehand lag bad for your wrist?: Natural lag from a relaxed arm is how most good forehands work. Problems come from forcing the wrist or flicking at the ball. If you feel strain, slow down and let the body lead.
Why is my forehand stiff?: A tight grip and an arm-led swing kill lag. Holding the racquet more loosely and turning the body first usually frees the arm up.