Forehand consistency: fast feet and early preparation

What this lesson covers

Footwork serves as the foundation for a consistent forehand. Players often rely on heel-heavy movement, which slows reaction time and forces the hands to compensate for poor positioning. Keeping the heels off the ground and maintaining light, rapid steps allows the player to cover the back court effectively while keeping the body weight over the toes. This constant, active movement ensures the player arrives at the ball with enough time to set up properly.

Once the feet are fast, the hands must remain soft. Early preparation is essential; the racket should be in position before the ball bounces. A compact takeback, where the grip stays low near the knee, prevents the common mistake of lifting the racket too high before the swing. By keeping the racket low and ready, the player can handle both direct shots and balls coming off the glass with greater control. This combination of light, constant footwork and an early, low racket set-up creates a more stable and reliable forehand for any amateur player.