Forehand technique: grip, preparation, and impact

What this lesson covers

The forehand relies on a consistent continental grip and a compact preparation. The racket head starts at pocket level, kept low to handle incoming balls efficiently. A side-on position is established early, using the shoulder to drive the movement rather than relying on wrist flicking. The non-dominant hand tracks the ball throughout the swing, which balances the core and ensures proper spacing from the body.

At the impact point, the racket face stays flat or slightly closed to keep the ball trajectory low, especially when playing below net height. The arm moves in a straight line toward the target, with the body weight shifting through the shot to maintain balance. The follow-through concludes by catching the racket with the non-dominant hand, which resets the player for the next ball. Avoiding backspin is essential in defensive situations, as opening the racket face too early leads to control errors and slow recovery times. This technical foundation is most beneficial for amateur players looking to clean up their fundamentals.