Forehand
By: Andrew S. Rosz

South Florida Professional Tennis Instruction
Hollywood, Florida, USA
(954) 922-8040

FOREHAND TECHNIQUES (Listed in their order of importance)

1. Watch the ball all the way to the strings (watch impact)
2. Maintain a firm wrist through the entire stroke; backswing, hit, and follow-through (solid strokes)
3. Turn TM2 to the proper o'clock position (turn sideways)
4. Use full strokes; follow-through completely (complete strokes)
5. React quickly; get your racket back and wait (early preparation using a two-step stroke)
6. Hit the ball with an awareness of racket pitch at impact (open racket face at impact)
7. Use the wrist to point the racket low on the backswing
8. Recover quickly back to the ready position
9. Check your grip after each and every shot
10. Use low to high strokes (let the ball fall into your strings)

SPECIAL EMPHASIS TECHNIQUES

1. Offensive Forehands... 1,2,3

• 1. Watch the ball all the way to the strings.
• 2. Maintain a firm wrist through the entire stroke.
• 3. Turn TM2 to the proper o'clock position.

2. Neutral Forehands ... 6,4,1

• 6. Hit the ball with an awareness of racket pitch at impact.
• 4. Use full strokes; follow-through completely.
• 1. Watch the ball all the way to the strings.

3. Defensive Forehands... 1,6,2

• 1. Watch the ball all the way to the strings.
• 6. Hit the ball with awareness of racket pitch at impact.
• 2. Maintain a firm wrist through the entire stroke.

Notice that "Watching the ball all the way to the strings" is a special emphasis technique common to all three types of forehand groundstrokes. This observation should not be surprising since it is essential for the eyes to constantly work with the brain to coordinate the body and deliver a precise impact. Since each impact subjects the body to a sudden shock, many players completely loose the ability to monitor their stroke and follow-through immediately after impact. These players are also usually obsessed with watching the ball move away from them after they hit the ball.

Consistent strokes result from hitting slowly at first while thinking, concentrating, and reacting only to the ball coming toward you. Practice maintaining concentration on your entire stroke, even after the ball has left your strings. Do not allow yourself to become obsessed with the flight of the ball as it leaves your strings. Concentrate only on awareness of your impact, follow-through, and a quick recovery back to the ready position.