How to Play Tennis - Forehand
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The forehand is the shot that most beginners learn first in tennis. The forehand is many tennis players strongest shot. However, I still see a lot of beginning tennis players using the improper form when hitting with their forehand. Improper technique can lead to a plateau in your tennis game. Improper form can also lead to a higher risk of injury (tennis elbow). Using the proper form, grip and stance will increase your performance as well as decrease your chance of injuring yourself.
Using the proper grip is the first step when learning how to hit a forehand. The right grip will depend on what type of player you are. If you prefer a lot of top spin, then you should use the half-western. If you like to serve and volley, then you should use the eastern. There are three mainly used grips in tennis; the eastern, half-western and western. Each grip has its advantages and disadvantages but I prefer to use the eastern. The half-western grip is popular among tour players as the grip has the ability to create large amounts of top spin and power.
When positioning yourself, your legs should be shoulder length apart and slightly bent. There are two types of stances; open stance and closed. Open stance is where your body is facing the court with your legs shoulder length apart. Closed stance is where your shoulders are perpendicular to the court and facing sideways towards the net. I prefer a closed stance, but that's just my preference. Either stance is fine for hitting a forehand. Your shoulders should be square to the ball and the ball should be just about an arms length away (your arm should be slightly bent but not straight).
Your shoulders and leg position are a key factor to ripping a good forehand. Immediately turn your shoulders once you know that the ball is coming towards your forehand side. If you turn your shoulders ahead of time, it'll be easier for you to take a full swing at the ball. Your racket should be above wrist level and never below your waist. Your racket will be out of position if it's too high or below your waist.
Square your legs and body towards the tennis ball. Pull your racket back making sure that the racket is above your wrist. Make sure that you're swinging up and through the ball and that your follow through is above the opposite shoulder. Swing up and through the ball, your racket should be across your body above your opposite shoulder when following through correctly. Swinging through the ball creates topspin, which will allow you to swing at the tennis ball harder.
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