Forehand Technique: What Every Tennis Player Needs to Know



Posted: Monday, March 14, 2011

by Jason Bradstreet

Forehand tennis technique can vary from person to person and is highly dependent on a number of different factors. Among the factors affecting the best forehand tennis technique for you are the following: age, body style, optimal style of play, agility, strength and more. One such factor is age. A younger player may be able to handle more extreme grips, larger swings, and other progressive tennis techniques whereas a seasoned player may benefit from more compact strokes and more traditional tennis grip choices.

Why? As we grow older, the body is less able to handle stressful body movements and/or modern tennis fundamentals. As a result, consideration should be given to a person's age when making decisions on how to hit forehands. A good coach can assimilate information about a player and decipher the information to make the best decision on how a player can best optimize his or her forehand. Hitting a forehand is not as simple as some make it. Following a cookie cutter layout for stroke development is unwise. Each person has different capabilities so you are well advised to take time to think through what would work best for you.

Roger Federer's classic style may work best for him but would not necessarily work best for a baseline grinder like Rafael Nadal who uses extreme topspin forehands to control the court. Although there are many variables to consider when deciding on the right backswing, stance, and follow through for your forehand stroke, most good strokes employ a few common technical elements including:

1. Start in a good ready position. If you are just starting, use a continental or semi-western grip as your dominant hand ready position. Your non dominant hand should be on top on the grip which will allow you to be ready to hit a forehand or a backhand.

2. As soon as you identify the incoming ball as a forehand, quickly turn your shoulders and prepare by initiating your backswing.

3. Generally speaking, there are two common backswing styles. You can turn your shoulders and take the racket straight back of you can employ the loop styles backswing (ala Andre Agassi or most other professionals for example). Ideally, you should prepare with the earliest and quickest backswing possible when first starring out (see Serena Williams or Venus Williams for a great example).

4. Contact the ball by swinging in a methodical and steady motion. If possible your contact point should be just below the ball in an attempt to "lift" the ball.

5. Following contact your racket should proceed upwards.

6. The forehand stroke typically ends by catching the racket with the non-dominant hand after contact or wrapping the racket over the non-dominant shoulder after contact.

7. Throughout the stroke, try to keep your eye on the ball until contact.

8. Finally, after hitting, be sure to recover to the ready position in the middle of the court.

The tennis technique tips above serve as a great start to developing an excellent forehand. Be sure to consult your tennis professional for expert guidance and to ensure that your technique fits your body style. Get out there and enjoy!

Learning  to Play Tennis Author Jason Bradstreet is the founder of  Bradstreet Sports. a sports school for adults and children with a heavy emphasis on learning tennis. He is a former Division I college tennis player, has played professional tennis, and was a member of an international Christian tennis team. Bradstreet Sports and/or Jason Bradstreet have played a part in coaching numerous players who have gone on to college and/or professional careers as well as young tot beginners and senior ladies teams. Check out the site for more great tips, information, and resources. Remember KISS! Learn to Play Tennis.
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