A forehand is a basic stroke in the game of tennis. It is one of the most important strokes in the game as it can be both a defensive and an offensive shot. There are various kinds of forehands such as the topspin, slice, flat and lob forehands. This is due to the different spins used to hit each type of forehand. The topspin forehand will create a heavy bounce that will cause the ball to rotate forward and hop when it bounces on the court. The slice forehand will cause the ball to rotate backwards (backspin) and creates a shorter bounce. A slice forehand can also cause the ball to skid when it bounces on the court. The flat forehand will cause the ball to travel fast through the air with very little spin and will skid off the court. The flat forehand is usually an offensive shot as it travels very fast. The lob is a shot that is loopy and can have either spin or no spin; usually a defensive shot. This article aims to teach you how to hit a forehand and the things to take note of when hitting a forehand.
Top 5 tips to remember when hitting your forehand:
1. The ready position. To hit a forehand, firstly one must get into position before hitting the ball. Bend your knees slightly and assume a comfortable crouch. Hold your racket with your hands gripping the racket at your comfortable grip; usually eastern or semi-eastern grip. Now, you are ready to head off in any direction to hit the ball. Stay relaxed and focused with your eyes on the ball all the time.
2. With an eastern forehand grip i.e. index knuckle and number three of racket bezel, turn sideways and step into the ball with your left leg (if you are a right handed player)
3. Sound footwork will work wonders for your forehand. Move towards the ball and step into the ball with your left foot. This will ensure your body is turned when you hit it. Ideally as a beginner, stay in a square stance position before progressing into an open stance.
4. Contacting the ball on the racket sweet spot is important. Always try to hit the ball in a squarely. Have your tennis racket beside and low and brush up and forward on the ball. Ensure you are properly balanced. As a beginner it is better to stay sideways and only rotate your arms. Do not rotate your lower body. This will ensure stability when you strike the ball.
5. To impart top spin, the follow through of the swing must be low to high. However for a flatter shot, the follow though will be below your shoulder. The follow through is critical to ensure that the swing is complete. Therefore do not hesitate with the follow through and merely bump the ball.
Now that you have read all these 5 steps on how to hit a forehand, you can try it yourself at home. But remember that it takes time and practice to master your forehand. Try out the different types of forehands and experiment with your swings and your grips to get different spins and speeds of the balls. Enjoy yourself and happy practicing!
Top 5 tips to remember when hitting your forehand:
1. The ready position. To hit a forehand, firstly one must get into position before hitting the ball. Bend your knees slightly and assume a comfortable crouch. Hold your racket with your hands gripping the racket at your comfortable grip; usually eastern or semi-eastern grip. Now, you are ready to head off in any direction to hit the ball. Stay relaxed and focused with your eyes on the ball all the time.
2. With an eastern forehand grip i.e. index knuckle and number three of racket bezel, turn sideways and step into the ball with your left leg (if you are a right handed player)
3. Sound footwork will work wonders for your forehand. Move towards the ball and step into the ball with your left foot. This will ensure your body is turned when you hit it. Ideally as a beginner, stay in a square stance position before progressing into an open stance.
4. Contacting the ball on the racket sweet spot is important. Always try to hit the ball in a squarely. Have your tennis racket beside and low and brush up and forward on the ball. Ensure you are properly balanced. As a beginner it is better to stay sideways and only rotate your arms. Do not rotate your lower body. This will ensure stability when you strike the ball.
5. To impart top spin, the follow through of the swing must be low to high. However for a flatter shot, the follow though will be below your shoulder. The follow through is critical to ensure that the swing is complete. Therefore do not hesitate with the follow through and merely bump the ball.
Now that you have read all these 5 steps on how to hit a forehand, you can try it yourself at home. But remember that it takes time and practice to master your forehand. Try out the different types of forehands and experiment with your swings and your grips to get different spins and speeds of the balls. Enjoy yourself and happy practicing!
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