Photo Study of James Blake's Strokes

Here, James illustrates an excellent point of contact for a fairly high forehand. The long axis of his racquet is parallel to the ground, he's meeting the ball somewhat in front of his body, and his eyes are locked onto the ball. Notice the increase in the degree of uncoiling from his legs, which remain in their semi-open position; to his hips, which almost fact the net; to his shoulders, which have turned beyond the net slightly toward the left sideline. James's upper-body uncoiling is further evident in the twisting of the fabric of his shirt. This uncoiling generates much of the tremendous power of Blake's forehand stroke.