Print this page

Forehand Teaching the Skill   Coaches are encouraged to use demonstration throughout each progression. When teaching a skill there are four basic components: grip, ready position, stroke and follow-through. It is best to begin new athletes in a short court format (playing at the service line area or inside the service box). This will allow for greater success and less intimidation than on a full court.   Forehand Grip Have athletes learn the traditional forehand "shake hands with the racket" grip (eastern forehand grip), where the athlete: Stands with the feet slightly apart and holds the racket with the non-racket hand. Places the palm of the racket hand against the strings of the racket and slides the racket hand down the racket until the hand reaches the grip. Wraps the fingers around the handle comfortably and "shake hands." The grip should not be held too tight ("not too tight, not too loose").   Eastern Forehand Grip         Semi-Western Grip         Western Grip     Grips Review (Dartfish)   Ready Position Athletes face forward with knees slightly flexed, feet shoulder width apart and heels up off the ground. The racket should be held comfortably at waist level. Use the key words "eyes on the ball" and "relax and be ready."             Forehand Stroke Athletes turn shoulders and hips to face sideways to the net (racket is in a volley position with the strings facing the net). Use the key words, "stand sideways with your racket back and look like a surfer" or "turn your shoulders." Athletes take the racket back and down (pointing at the back fence and down toward the court surface). The shape of the swing, when put together as one motion, will be a "C" loop. Before initiating the swing, the athlete takes a few adjusting steps towards the ball. Demonstrate the contact point position (freeze this position and emphasize that this is where the ball is contacted). The stroke continues with a balanced follow-through with the racket high and out in front (be careful not to exaggerate the follow-through as athletes will put it all together when actually striking a ball), racket pointing up and toward the net (like "shaking hands with a giant").     Follow-through The swing is completed with a follow-through that finishes with the racket pointing to the opposite side of the net "finish the stroke," "point the racket at your opponent, "turn, step, hit." The follow-through should be high above the head, swinging from low to high "swing low to high."     Key Words "Shake hands" "Not too tight, not too loose" "Eyes on the ball" "Relax and be ready" "Stand sideways with your racket back and look like a surfer" "Turn your shoulders" "Finish the stroke" "Shaking hands with a giant" "Point the racket at your opponent" "Swing low to high" "Turn, step, hit"   Faults & Fixes Chart   Error Correction Incorrect grip Mark the racquet handle for a visual reminder. Improper point of contact or misjudges the ball Ask the athlete (without racket in hand) to catch the ball at the proper contact position. Do this with a ball tossed directly to the athlete, progressing to a ball tossed a slight distance from the player, requiring more footwork. Wrist break on backswing (too large a backswing) With the player turned and the racket head up, have the athlete place the palm of the non-hitting hand on the strings (side of the racket facing the player) and complete the stroke from this position. Placing the hand on the strings will prevent the racket from taking a big backswing. Racquet rolls on follow-through Ask the athlete to roll the racket over the shoulder. The resulting higher follow-through will improve the stroke. Slicing the ball (chopping) The slice is a quality stroke to develop. Ask the player to reach for a long follow-through. The shape is a banana on its back.   Adding topspin for this player is done easier with an old racket and asking the athlete to touch the ground before contacting the ball. Wristy at point of contact Have the athlete choke up on the grip. The athlete will feel the grip on their arm. Hits off back foot Have the player stomp the front foot in the proper position. This will allow them to hear and feel the step. Not enough shoulder turn on backswing Have the player turn completely to the side before feeding a ball. Steps in with wrong foot Use chalk to trace the feet in the proper footwork sequence.     Coaching Tips The contact point is the most important part of the forehand. Emphasize contact at the front foot with a perpendicular racket head. Begin with the contact point and follow-through for the first 50 balls the athlete hits. Working from the contact point will provide the best control once the stroke begins to take shape. Add the backswing once the athlete has demonstrated a balanced contact and follow-through position. Encourage the athlete to hit the forehand gently and stress that tennis is a game of control. Hitting the ball over the fence is not a home run in tennis!

Prev Page                                                                 Next Page