Tennis forehand shot
The forehand can be an aggressive and powerful attack shot that is used to return an opponent's shot and, when executed correctly, will manoeuvre an opponent around the court or win a point.
Stage one
- As the ball is returned, stand in position on the balls of your feet, with knees slightly bent.
- Face sideways with your shoulder and arm pointing towards the opponent.
- The racket arm should be at a 45áµ’ angle with the face of the racket at head height.
- Body weight should be on the back foot.
- Keep your eyes on the ball.
Stage two
- When ready to strike the ball, transfer body weight from back to front foot.
- Rotate your body quickly to face forwards.
- Drop the racket head lower as you start to accelerate forwards.
- The forward swing should travel from low to high, aiming to hit the ball at its highest point.
- Keep your eyes on the ball.
Stage three
- Make contact with the ball at around waist height.
- Begin to rotate the racket at impact, so the strings point down towards the ground.
- The racket will follow through, finishing to the left of the shoulder.
- Return back to ready position for the next shot.