Tennis Forehand Techniques

Let's talk about tennis forehand techniques. I like to snap my wrist a little more than usual on the swing in order to use less energy thus giving me more for the rest of the match. I always make the mistake of not pushing forward enough on the ball and apply too much top spin (hitting the ball from under up). Your forehand should be a weapon and not a weak spot.

Take a look at the forehand techniques of the two top world champions and a young tennis player who may fall in the same tennis playing category as you and I – which means upcoming! Roger Federer's has a wicked forehand, which is highlighted by his grip and his impeccable playing technique. Novak Djokovic's forehand is definitely a conversation among tennis fans and coaches. His forehand style has similar styles like that of Federer, but his execution is by far unique.

Now, let's talk about Stanislas (“Stan”) Wawrinka, whose name may sound familiar because he was the 2008 top 10 Olympic players and he played doubles with Federer. Stan's present day forehand is his weaker side. He hits with a semi-western grip and he hits a pretty big ball off the side. He doesn't lack spin or velocity in his forehand, his problem centers more in his consistency.

 

 

We could talk all day about top tennis player forehand techniques, so instead, let's look at basic fundamentals:

1. Shoulder and Pivot: What is the first thing that professional tennis players do when they hit a forehand? Yes, they pivot their outside foot, then turn their shoulders sideways. This begins their racquet take-back, while both hands remains and grips the racquet.

2. Racquet It Back Totally: Okay, when you have pivoted and turned your shoulder, next you take your racquet back completely, using both shoulders and your arms.

3. Contact Swing: the third movement in hitting a forehand is swing to contact, which means to push off on your outside leg; rotate your body back toward the net; then drop your racquet down slightly and quickly swing forward.

4. Follow Through: When you contact the ball, follow through to complete your forehand. How? Simply extend out in the direction that you are hitting, then bring your racquet across your body, but in a smooth, relaxed motion – done!

5. Swing: The last basic fundamental forehand technique is the directional or path swing. The swing path involves how a racquet travels, from the start of the motion to the end of the following through. When you release the racquet with your other hand, it should not stop moving, until we have completed our follow through technique.

 

 

Yes, there are different forehand grips that players of all playing levels are familiar with. Do you know what they are? Okay, I won't let you suffer – they include the “continental,” the “Eastern,” the “semi-Western,” and the “Western.” Let's keep practicing our forehand techniques because it influences our top-spin and body rotation, which can only improve our game. See you on the court!