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Tennis technique
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The tennis forehand: Techniques and tips

The forehand in tennis is an essential stroke for players, often the most natural and powerful. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering the forehand allows you to dictate the pace of the rally and put pressure on your opponent. Develop your forehand with the tennis study programme offered by our tennis academy.
Here’s a complete guide to perfecting your forehand and turning it into a decisive shot.

Why is the forehand essential to tennis?

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This is a shot hit from the dominant side of the player, and is generally easier to control than the backhand because of the position of the body. It allows a wide variety of trajectories and power, facilitating attacks, lifts to unsettle the opponent, or crosscourt forehands to open up the court. It is used for both attack and defence, making it an essential weapon for controlling the game.

Basic technique for a powerful forehand

  • 1. Racket grip

    For an optimal forehand, the semi-open or Eastern grip is recommended. It gives you good control over the power and angle of the racket, making it easier to execute spin and control. A more closed grip, such as the Western grip, is also used for high-lift shots.

  • 2. Position and support

    Body position and support are fundamental to a good forehand. Start with the non-dominant foot (left foot for right-handers) slightly forward and bent. This allows better weight transfer and promotes stability. The bottom is the source of power, ensuring that your forehand is explosive and well balanced.

  • 3. Body preparation and rotation

    Preparation begins as soon as the ball leaves your opponent’s racket. Turn your shoulders and place the racket backwards, keeping your arms relaxed. The movement should be fluid, with a rotation of the hips to generate power. This rotation of the body adds energy to the shot, guaranteeing a powerful, fast hit.

  • 4. Impact and striking the ball

    Impact with the ball should be in front of the body to maximise control. Use a swinging motion with the racket to hit the ball, lifting it slightly to produce a lifted effect, if necessary. By adjusting the angle of the racket, you can also vary the trajectory of the ball, from short to groundstrokes.

  • 5. Follow-up

    Follow-through is essential to stabilise your forehand and ensure accuracy. Let the racket follow a natural forward arc and finish the movement over your shoulder, making it easier to control the direction of the ball. The free arm also helps to stabilise you during the follow-through.

The different types of forehand

  • Tennis attacking forehand

    Lifted forehand

    By hitting the ball from the bottom up, you create a lifted effect that makes it bounce higher. Very useful for disturbing a defending opponent.

  • Coup droit à plat tennis

    The flat forehand

    A direct, spinless strike that achieves great speed and precision. Used for powerful attacks.

  • cours tennis mouratoglou

    The sliced forehand

    By striking the target from top to bottom, this produces a retro effect that slows down the ball and reduces the bounce, useful for varying the pace and unsettling opponents.

Tips to improve your forehand

  • Work on your body position: Foot placement and chest orientation are essential for a stable, powerful forehand.
  • Practise rotations: Using your shoulders and hips naturally increases the power of your shot.
  • Adapt your technique to your style of play: A more closed approach, such as the Western, is effective for a lift, while an Eastern grip makes it easier to hit flat shots.
  • Be consistent: Practise hitting the ball in a good arc of movement regularly to improve your accuracy.

Frequently asked questions

  • This term is used because this shot is hit from the natural, dominant side of the player, where the arm can extend freely in a fluid movement. It contrasts with the backhand, which is hit from the opposite side, requiring a more complex movement.

  • To lift, use a semi-closed or Western technique, placing the racket under the ball as you hit it, and swinging from bottom to top. This creates a spin that causes the ball to bounce higher as it hits the ground. This shot is particularly effective for keeping your opponent at the back of the court.

  • The fastest recorded is attributed to Fernando Verdasco, with a speed measured at 190 km/h. Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro are also renowned for their powerful forehands, reaching impressive speeds that put their opponents to shame.

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FRANCE

Mouratoglou Academy, Biot, French Riviera, FRANCE

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  • USA

  • EUROPE

  • ASIA

  • MIDDLE EAST