How to Swing a Forehand Shot

No shot in a tennis player's arsenal is more important than a forehand shot as the basic stroke, as well as advanced shots that require a strong forehand base, are the most commonly played shots in tennis. In a forehand shot the player brings the racket back to the side that corresponds with their dominant hand, opening their chest to the net instead of turning their back to it, in order to drive the ball back across the net.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the racket in your non-dominant hand so that the head of the racket is vertical, then grip at the bottom of the racket with your dominant hand as if you were shaking hands with it.

    • 2

      Move from side to side as the ball is returned so that it is on course to pass by you on your dominant side.

    • 3

      Move forward or backward so that the ball will be at hip height just before it reaches your hips.

    • 4

      Turn your non-dominant foot forward, or your dominant foot back, so that your feet, hips and shoulders are pointed almost directly at the net. The foot used to turn can help to adjust your depth, as turning the non-dominant foot forward moves your hip closer to the net than swinging your dominant foot back.

    • 5

      Bring the racket back and below your hips as you shift your weight onto your back leg.

    • 6

      Drive your weight forward as the ball nears you.

    • 7

      Swing the racket forward as your weight shifts, hitting the ball on a slightly upward trajectory when the ball is waist high, and slightly in front of your hips.