The Forehand
The forehand is arguably the most important shot of the game. Typically, the baseline forehand is a player's strongest shot. I am actually stronger on my backhand, which I often use to surprise opponents who are used to
backhands being the weaker shot. Here is a slow motion gif of a forehand. Don't worry if it looks intimidating. You're looking at Victoria Azarenka, one of the top
women's tennis players in the world!
Keys to a Good Forehand
- backswing: Start high. When the opponent makes contact with the ball swing your racquet with both hands to about shoulder height
- contact point: Swing down and make contact with the ball when the racquet is just in front of your hips
- follow through: Brush upwards as you swing through the ball and follow through over your left shoulder with your elbow pointing up (opposite if you are left-handed)