Do you want to learn how to play forehand in tennis? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the tips and tricks necessary for mastering your forehand shots and learning how to play a powerful forehand.
Whether you are an experienced player or just starting out, our step-by-step instructions will help you hone your technique and become a more confident tennis player. With our advice, soon enough you’ll master how to play forehand and will be sending opponents running across the court as they attempt to return your wickedly accurate shots!
How to Play Forehand Quick Guide
After you nail how to play forehand, and you’re comfortable with the technique, you can start to incorporate different spins and speeds into your shots to become an even better player. Below you’ll find the steps you need to follow to master this technique, continue for more details.
- Positioning or stance
- Backswing
- Forward Swing and Contact with the Ball
- Follow Through
How to Play Forehand Steps
Practicing these steps will help you build confidence and improve your skills in playing a forehand in tennis.
Step 1: Positioning or stance
The most crucial aspect of a forehand is obtaining the correct position. This establishes a strong base for your footwork and racquet preparation, allowing you to generate a powerful, controlled, and balanced shot.
In the initial phase of mastering the technique, it is common to adopt a “closed stance” while standing at a right angle to the net with your non-dominant shoulder directed towards it.
However, proficient players, including professionals, may use an “open stance” while hitting forehands, where their body is facing the net. Depending on your skill level, you may use either or both stances while hitting forehands.
Step 2: Backswing
To perform a proper backswing, focus on rotating your upper body. Ensure that the arm you use to bring your racquet back moves in synchronization with the rotation of your hips and shoulders.
If you complete this set-up correctly, your shoulder should be closed, meaning that your body faces the side of the court and your shoulder points towards the net.
Step 3: Forward Swing and Contact with the Ball
In the swing, your focus should be on transferring weight from the backswing through to the tennis ball and towards the target. To aid the weight transfer, step towards the target with your non-dominant foot. As a right-hander, this would mean stepping forward with your left foot.
It’s important to remember two things when swinging. First, your swing should start slightly below the ball in the backswing position and finish with the racquet up high.
Second, make sure to contact the ball slightly in front of your body, but not too far away. The contact point should be at a comfortable distance from your body.
Step 4: Follow Through
After hitting the tennis ball, keep swinging the racket until it ends up high. Here are some helpful images to use: Firstly, imagine taking the racket and placing it in your non-dominant hand like you are catching it after hitting the ball. Secondly, imagine scratching your back with the racket over your non-dominant shoulder while you follow through.
Recommended Tools to Play Forehand
Yonex Ezone 98 7th Gen Tennis Racquet
No products found.
The Yonex EZONE 98 7th Gen Tennis Racquet provides a range of features to take your game to the next level. This racquet uses 2G-NAMD Speed graphite technology for increased ball speed without sacrificing comfort.
The shaft has been updated with a thicker structure and convex design, which reduces torque on off-centered shots and provides additional power when making contact. Additionally, the Vibration Dampening Mesh in the handle helps absorb shock from each hit for improved control when playing forehand or backhand strokes.
With this frame, intermediate to advanced players can enjoy enhanced spin, stability, and precision on their shots while taking advantage of excellent feel and power throughout their swings.
Available in an eye-catching blue colorway update, the Yonex EZONE 98 7th Gen is an ideal choice for any tennis player looking to improve their performance on the court.
Common Questions About How to Play Forehand
What is the right grip when executing a forehand in tennis?
Using the correct grip is crucial when hitting a forehand in tennis. For a forehand, it’s recommended to use either a semi-western or western grip.
- To move quickly and time your backswing properly, pivot your foot in the direction of the incoming ball while staying on your toes. Being on your toes helps you take a faster first step and react more quickly.
- Assume the correct stance after getting to the desired position. Keep your knees slightly bent, turn your shoulders to the side, extend your left hand in front of you, and position your racket behind your body for the backswing.
How do you create a good racket lag for your backswing?
To generate more power and control, it’s important to create a strong racquet lag during a forehand stroke. This means that the lead of the racket should trail behind the rip. This should happen naturally, without intentionally bending your wrist.
To hit a successful shot in tennis, your goal is to swing your racquet in a low to high motion with a slightly open racquet face. This will cause the ball to rise above the net and land on the other side. As you practice this technique, you will start to feel a brushing effect of the topspin between the ball and the racquet.
What common mistakes do players make when learning how to play forehand?
- To avoid making mistakes while playing, ensure that you have good positioning when hitting the ball. Avoid hitting the ball when it is too far to your side, too far in front of you, or too close to your body. Make sure that your arm is in a comfortable position, not too stretched out, but not uncomfortably tucked into your body.
- Players need to practice finding the right contact point on the tennis ball, which is close to their front hip and just a bit in front of their body. If the player is right-handed and adopts a closed stance, they should hit the ball closest to their left hip.
What are good tennis drills to help you improve your forehand play?
Crosscourt Forehand Drill
- To improve your forehand consistency, you can play a game off the ground where either player can feed. Only half of the court is in play, and you can choose to include the doubles alley or play singles only to make it more challenging.
- To start the game, you need to make 10 balls in a row before the actual point begins. You can modify this number to suit your preference, but the idea is to prioritize consistency over hitting winners. Then, you can continue playing for up to 11 points.
Depth Forehand Drill
- To improve your forehand, let’s play the same game as before but with a rule change. Consider any ball that doesn’t cross the service line as out. This will help you practice hitting the ball deep into the court, making your opponent off balance. When the opponent is off balance, they will have to hit shots from a weak position on their heels.
- To get good footwork and cardio exercise, you can make a rule that considers backhands as a point loss and also play with the doubles alleys included.
Video How to Hit a Forehand | Tennis Technique
Are you looking to improve your tennis game? Learn the fundamentals of playing a forehand shot with this instructional video. In this video, you’ll learn step-by-step how to hit a successful forehand every time. From proper grip and stance to technique and power, get ready to master the basics of how to play forehand.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to play a forehand in tennis can be difficult, but with practice and guidance from experienced players or coaches, you can master this essential skill. The key is to focus on the basics: grip, stance, swing motion, and follow-through. With time and dedication, your forehand will become an important weapon for winning rallies.
And while there may never be one “perfect†technique that works best for everyone, if you stick with it long enough you are sure to find what works best for your game. Now get out on the court and start practicing how to play forehand!
