Skip to main content
BBC SPORT / SKILLS
Graphics Version | Change to International Version | BBC News Home
Sport Homepage | Olympics | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Paralympics | Sport Relief | Other sport... | 606 | Sport Academy | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Tennis Contents:  Results | Skills | Rules and Equipment | Get Involved

Tuesday, 13 September 2005, 13:43 GMT 14:43 UK

Forehand

Forehand

The modern forehand is one of the most spectacular and devastating shots in the game.

With modern technology and techniques, today's players can use it to hit winners from almost any position on the court.

STEP ONE

Forehand

Starting from the ready position, drive off from the legs and look to get to the ball as soon as possible.

As you push off, prepare by turning both your hands towards the ball.

This will rotate the shoulders and upper body away from the ball, storing up energy that will soon be used to create power.

STEP TWO

Forehand

Look to bring the racquet head back in a loop.

Think of a circular type movement as you lift it up as you bring it back then drop it lower as you start to accelerate forwards.

STEP THREE

Forehand

The key to producing real power is to fire all your different muscles into the shot in sequence.

Start from the legs, then the hips, your shoulder, arm and finally your wrist.

If timed right all these different muscle groups will combine to produce huge racquet head speed that will send the ball flying.

STEP FOUR

Forehand

The forward swing of the racquet should be from low to high.

You should be looking to make contact with the ball at around waist height.

As you get more confident, have a go meeting it slightly higher.

This will enable you to get more power into the shot and get further into the court which will put your opponent under even more pressure.




E-mail this to a friend

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Lawn Tennis Association
Tennis Ireland
International Tennis Federation
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC SPORT: 

Sport Homepage | Olympics | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Paralympics | Sport Relief | Other sport... | 606 | Sport Academy | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Tennis Contents:  Results | Skills | Rules and Equipment | Get Involved

^ Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | Feedback | Help | ©