An example of a world class forehand
Forehand
The forehand ground stroke is hit with the front or palm of the hand facing the oncoming ball. There are various grips to hit this shot depending on how comfortable you hold the racket handle. The Eastern grip is more versatile and recommended for flat shots with little ball arc and also used to hit slice or under spin. While “shaking hands” with the grip of the racket, the thumb and forefinger form a “V” in the middle of the top plane on the racket handle.
Another popular grip is the Western or so-called “frying pan” grip which is found by picking up the racket flat to the ground so that the middle “V” formed between the the thumb and fore-finger is position on the lower edge of the upper right slant of the racket handle. The Western grip encourage top spin (forward rotation of the ball) so when the ball lands it kicks up quicker. The Continential grip is described latter in the discussion of the backhand and ideal to hit volleys with since no grip change is required.
The best grip comes down to your preference of what is most comfortable and can you consistently execute the forehand stroke.
The forehand stroke begins from a ready position or stance when your facing the net with feet pointing forward not wider than shoulder-width. By standing with your knees slightly bent, with the body weight balanced on the balls of your feet, and the racket held straight in front of you.
Anticipating the ball coming to your forehand side, the player turns sideways to the net or some people may take a slight turn. As the turn takes play the backswing can be best performed with butt of the racket handle (cocking the wrist) point toward the net. I like to get the racket prepared in the lowest position possible since hitting the ball low to high is easier while some accomplish the forehand stroke with a arc- or loop-like back swing motion.
The eyes maintain a steady contact with the oncoming balls to best to align the middle of the racket strings on contact out on the side low and in front of your body.
The weight transfers from rear to front foot as if you where throwing the racket to your target. The only difference is that you elbow is in and your arm my form a “L” (start your racket long and low). Greater leverage and control can be fostered when the racket drops below the level of the ball.
As the ball approaches, the heel of the hand move from inside the thigh traveling low to high in an inside to outside semi-circle (180 degrees). The more the arm fully extends, pointing toward the target the greater change it will go to that specific destination.
Better form can be accomplished by placing the forward hand ( hand without racket) down several feet out pointing toward the exact spot in which the middle of the racket strings will make contact with the ball. Even greater execution of the forehand will come it the knees, hip and shoulders pivot together fluidly in a motion that greatly resembles the movement of a swivel chair.
One great exercise is have a friend hold their hand out low and in front of them and you practice having your palm push and slap against that hand to give you sense of how you racket could make contact with the ball.
Finally notice the angle of your racket head when you make contact. The more the racket face is angled upward the greater chance the ball clears the net. Practice hitting the ball over another net or past the middle or service line on the court.
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