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Tennis technique
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The forehand on the run: mastering the moving shot

The down-the-line forehand is one of the most difficult shots in tennis. As a player, knowing how to manage this situation will enable you to stay in the rally and fight for every point, even at the most delicate moments. This type of shot requires great technical mastery, good movement and the ability to generate power despite being at a disadvantage. This type of shot requires great technical mastery, good movement and the ability to generate power despite being at a disadvantage. Improve your forehand from the baseline with an intensive tennis course at the MouratoglouTennis Academy.

What is the forehand at the end of the stroke?

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A running forehand is a shot made when you are pushed to the end of the court, often after your opponent has accelerated. This type of situation often occurs after a cross-court shot or a deep attack, forcing you to move quickly to the side. The aim is to stay in the exchange despite being thrown off balance.

The fundamentals of end-of-stroke

  • Dynamic footwork

    The first essential element for a successful end-stroke is good mobility. Your ability to cover the ground quickly, while maintaining stability, is crucial to success. Light, fast footwork will enable you to get to the ball earlier, giving you better conditions for hitting. Your position will be more solid, even on the move.

  • Anticipation and vision

    A good understanding of your opponent is essential to avoid being caught off guard. Anticipation gives you a crucial advantage, enabling you to react earlier to your opponent’s intentions. The more you anticipate, the more time you’ll have to adjust your movement and prepare your shot at the end of the run.

  • Using the body to generate power

    At the end of the race, you can’t always rely fully on your legs to generate power. This is where the rotation of your torso and shoulders becomes essential. Use your upper body to compensate for the loss of stability. This rotation allows you to transfer energy into the racket and send a powerful ball, despite the difficulty.

  • Maintaining wrist control

    When you’re moving sideways, the wrist plays an important role in controlling the ball. A flexible but stable wrist helps you to adjust the trajectory and place the shot in the desired areas, while maintaining good control.

Strategies for maximising your performance

  • 1. Play in safe areas

    At the end of the stroke, the main aim is to stay in the exchange. It’s advisable to aim for safe areas, such as the deep diagonal. This allows you to push your opponent back while giving yourself time to regain your position in the centre of the court. Reducing the risks is essential in this situation.

  • 2. Use the lift to secure the trajectory

    At the end of the stroke, the lift is your ally. It allows you to give more security to your shots while sending the ball higher and further. The lift gives a higher bounce, forcing your opponent to play a difficult ball. It’s a key technique for staying competitive even in the most tense moments.

  • 3. Alternate between defence and attack

    At the end of the rally, you’re often in a defensive position, but that doesn’t mean you can’t counter-attack. If you see that your opponent is badly positioned, take advantage of the opportunity to change pace and make a strong move that could reverse the momentum of the rally. This mixture of defence and attack is essential if you are not to remain passive.

  • 5. Using the slice as an alternative

    If you don’t have enough time to do a full forehand, a well-executed slice can be an excellent solution. This type of shot allows you to keep the ball in play while reducing your opponent’s attacking options. It’s a good way of breaking the rhythm and buying yourself time to get back into the game.

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Common mistakes to avoid

  • Forcing the move: When you’re in difficulty, it can be tempting to force the move to end the rally quickly. This often leads to mistakes. At the end of the rally, opt for safety to stay in the rally.
  • Poor leg movement: If you don’t move your legs enough, you risk hitting the ball off balance. Stay mobile and reactive to stay in control.
  • Lack of wrist flexibility: A wrist that is too rigid can lead to errors. Keep your wrist flexible so you can adjust your shot and place the ball where you want it.

Conclusion

The down-the-line forehand is a crucial element to master for any player who wants to remain competitive, even at a disadvantage. By working on your mobility, learning to use body rotation to generate power and adjusting your shot precisely, you’ll be able to respond to the most difficult attacks. Anticipation and wrist control are key to staying in the exchange and avoiding mistakes, even at the most critical moments.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  • The key is to work on your mobility and your ability to read your opponent’s intentions. Practise reacting quickly to cross-strikes and using body rotation to maintain power and control.

  • The diagonal is safer, but if you see that your opponent is badly positioned, don’t hesitate to play on the line. This can allow you to regain the initiative in the rally.

  • The lift offers good security in terms of depth and trajectory, but depending on the situation, you can opt for another option such as the slice or a flat shot to surprise your opponent.

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