02/09/2023 1:34pm 4 minute read

Forehand Tennis Swing: A Comprehensive Guide

Pictured : ATP Pro Steve Johnson in the Full Court Tennis App Pro Library - where you can compare your strokes to his side-by-side.

The forehand is one of the most important shots in tennis and a good forehand can make a huge difference in your game. Hitting a forehand can seem like a daunting task, but with the right technique and tennis lessons as provided for in Full Court Tennis app, you can develop a powerful and consistent forehand that will help you win matches. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to hit a forehand with power, accuracy, and confidence.

Preparation

Before hitting the forehand, it is important to be in the right position to hit the ball. You should be facing the net, with your knees bent and your weight slightly forward. This will help you generate power, while also giving you a stable base to hit the ball from. Your racket should be held with both hands, with the grip positioned just above your waist. Your non-dominant hand should be positioned higher up on the racket handle, while your dominant hand should be lower. This will help you generate more power and control on your forehand shot. Now set the wrist back and make a unit turn so that as you move to the ball the shoulders rotate 

Backswing

The backswing is the first part of the forehand swing and is all about setting yourself up for the shot. To start first use a semi-western to eastern forehand grip the backswing, bring your racket back and up, keeping it high above your shoulder. Your wrist should be relaxed, and your arm should be extended, but not tense. Your non-dominant arm should also be extended, helping you maintain balance.

Downswing

The downswing is the second part of the forehand swing and is all about generating power and speed on the shot. As you bring your racket down, start to turn your hips and shoulders, using your entire body to generate power. Your non-dominant arm should also be coming down and across your body, helping you maintain balance. As you reach the point of contact with the ball, your racket should be facing the net, with your wrist cocked back.

Point of Contact

The point of contact is the most important part of the forehand swing, as it determines the direction, speed, and spin of the shot. To make a good shot, it is important to hit the ball in the center of the racket, with a slightly upward motion. This will help you generate topspin on the ball, making it harder for your opponent to return. Your wrist should also be firm at the point of contact, helping you add power and control to your shot.

Follow-Through

The follow-through is the final part of the forehand swing and is all about finishing the shot. After making contact with the ball, continue to follow through, extending your arm and racket in the direction of the shot. Your non-dominant arm should also be extended, helping you maintain balance. Your wrist should also be relaxed, allowing the racket to continue moving in the direction of the shot.

Practice

As with anything in tennis, hitting a forehand requires practice. If you're looking to improve your forehand, consider enrolling in a tennis academy or taking tennis lessons for adults near you. Start by hitting balls against a wall, working on your technique and developing muscle memory. Once you are comfortable with the basic technique, start practicing against a partner, working on adding power, accuracy, and control to your shots. With time and practice, you will develop a powerful and consistent forehand that will help you win matches.

Tennis Tips and Training

For additional help, consider seeking out tennis tips from experienced tennis coaches or enrolling in a tennis program near you. A good tennis coach can help you identify areas for improvement and provide personalized tennis training to help you reach your goals. If you're looking for tennis classes near you, consider checking out the FullCourtTennis app.

Conclusion

Hitting a forehand tennis swing can seem like a daunting task, but with the right technique and practice, you can develop a powerful and consistent shot that will help you win matches. Remember to focus on your preparation, backswing, downswing, point of contact, and follow-through, and with time and practice, you will become a forehand master.

Check out more FCT tennis lessons and tennis tips here! www.fullcourttennis.com