Forehand technique: avoiding common errors

What this lesson covers

Many players struggle with the forehand by over-complicating the contact. Instead of chopping down to force excessive slice, keep the swing path horizontal with a slightly open racket face. This ensures clean contact and better control. Reserve aggressive slice for balls above chest height, but otherwise, focus on hitting relatively flat with a compact, simple motion.

Positioning relative to the ball remains a frequent issue. Avoid playing with an open stance unless the ball is truly out of reach. Instead, turn your shoulders early and maintain a side-on position to move with the ball, especially when playing off the back glass. This body rotation provides a more stable base than lunging.

Finally, avoid the trap of hitting every forehand with maximum power. Predictable pace makes your game easy to read. Use the same simple, compact technique to disguise your intentions, allowing you to switch between a deep lob, a fast ball, or a controlled shot to the feet. This variety keeps opponents guessing while keeping your own error count low.