Improve Your Forehand in Tennis With These 5 Tips

Want to take your tennis game to the next level? If there's one stroke that can make a huge difference in your performance on the court, it's the forehand.

Your forehand is a critical tool that can influence the outcome of a tennis match. A well-executed stroke can give you the edge you need to win important points and keep your opponents at bay.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner or an experienced player, these tips will give you the guidance you need to improve your forehand tennis stroke and build confidence in your game. Get ready to dominate the court and leave a good impression in every match.

What’s the importance of a good forehand stroke?

The forehand, as it’s known in tennis, is one of the most crucial fundamentals that every player must master. It’s a versatile and powerful shot that allows you to control the direction, speed, and accuracy of the ball. By improving your forehand in tennis, you can make a significant difference in your game and increase your chances of success on the court.

When your forehand is solid and reliable, you can leverage it as an offensive weapon to send the ball over the net with speed and accuracy, putting pressure on your opponent and winning important points. In addition, an improved forehand will also give you the confidence to face difficult situations during a match and respond effectively.

However, a poor forehand can limit your tennis performance. Lack of proper technique, lack of power, or inaccuracy can result in weak strokes, unforced errors, and the loss of valuable points. That’s why improving this technique will allow you to make the most of your ability and potential as a player.

How to improve your forehand in tennis? 5 useful tips!

No matter if you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced tennis player, improving your forehand in tennis is a game-changing and relevant factor. To give you an example, a study developed by the University of Jaén analyzed the technical-tactical variables related to the last shot of the point in professional tennis players. The results showed that the winners of the match used their forehand more than the losers.

The following tips will serve as a starting point to establish more productive training to develop this technique.

1. Adjust your posture and grip to improve your forehand tennis stroke

Proper posture and grip are fundamental to improving your forehand tennis stroke.

To do this, start by making sure your stance is balanced and stable.

Place your feet slightly apart, parallel to the baseline, and bend your knees slightly to maintain a low center of gravity. This will allow you to have a solid stance and greater stability when connecting with the ball.

As for the grip of the racquet, there are different styles, but one of the most common is the continental or semi-western grip. Make sure your grip is firm and comfortable in your hand, allowing you to have proper control over the racquet.

2. Work on your swing technique

Proper swing technique is essential to improving your forehand in tennis. Start by focusing on proper preparation. Turn your body sideways while keeping your shoulders parallel to the net, and bring the racquet back, preparing for the response.

As you strike the ball, remember to keep one arm extended and use a fluid motion. Avoid tensing your muscles and look for a combination of strength and relaxation in your swing. Be sure to follow through with the shot, bringing the racquet forward and finishing the motion with an outstretched arm.

3. Practice weight transfer

Proper weight transfer is essential to improving your forehand stroke in tennis. As you prepare to hit the ball, initiate the motion by bringing your weight toward your back leg. As you connect with the ball, transfer your weight to the front leg, using the strength of your limbs and core to generate more power.

Remember to maintain a balanced stance while transferring weight. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this can affect the accuracy and power of your forehand stroke.

4. Work on your speed and power

To improve your forehand tennis stroke, it’s important to develop speed and power in your swing. One way to do this is to focus on the proper use of your lower extremities. Take advantage of the strength of your legs to propel you toward the ball, thus generating more speed in your stroke.

In addition, body rotation plays a crucial role. As you strike the ball, rotate your body forward, using the strength of your hips and shoulders to add power. Practice specific movements, such as hip swings and strength drills.

5. Practice regularly and seek feedback

The last tip for improving your forehand tennis stroke is to practice regularly and seek feedback. Improvement in any sport skill takes time and dedication, so it’s critical to establish a consistent training routine. In addition, it’s important to prevent injuries.

What are the existing forehand strokes?

Having knowledge of each of the movements allows you to have an advantage over other competitors. You can take advantage of each style, depending on the situation of the match and the analysis you make of your opponent. Next, we’ll share the most relevant ones!

• Flat forehand: This shot is characterized because the delivery is achieved almost without spin, which generates that the ball passes very close to the net. This shot allows for greater speed.

• Lift forehand: This is ideal if you want the ball to land close to your opponent’s baseline, as it has an upward trajectory. A player known for this style is Rafael Nadal.

• Sliding forehand (or slice): This is the opposite of the topspin shot and requires the continental grip (mentioned above). Because the ball rotates on its axis toward you, it’s often used when the opponent is at a distance and has a certain level of fatigue, as the ball often lands close to the net.

Spend time in your sessions working on your forehand. Repeat the movements, practice different game situations, and work on the consistency and accuracy of your shots. The more you practice, the more natural and fluid it will become!