By Thierry Verviers
After nearly 50 years of coaching, I see the same mistake everywhere: players looking for power in their arm. It’s logical—the arm is what we see moving. But that is exactly the problem. As Coach EmRatThich (founder of PingSunday) explains with incredible clarity, the true source of a powerful forehand isn’t the arm—it’s the hip.
The Chinese Concept: Power from the Ground
In Chinese technique, the main axis of rotation is the pelvis, not the elbow. Take Ma Long, possessor of arguably the best forehand in history. Most viewers miss the leg and hip work that precedes his contact. He uses his lower body to generate upward force, transmitted to the forearm at the very last moment. This is “Power from the Ground.” Power comes from the floor, not the muscle in your bicep.
Master the “Yin Pai”
The second key is Yin Pai—the preparation of the stroke. Ma Long drops his racket low and early, allowing a fluid weight transfer from the right foot to the left (for a right-hander). This early positioning and hip pivot are what separate the amateur from the pro.
As EmRatThich says: “Power is a consequence, not a goal.” Stop trying to hit harder. Stay low, prepare early, and let your hips do the work. You’ll be surprised by the result.
Coach EmRatThich (PingSunday): Ma Long Training: Powerful Forehand Technique Link
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