Learning the Forehand: How-to for the Absolute Beginner

The forehand is one of the most versatile and popular strokes in tennis and usually the very first that any beginner learns. While every player’s style may differ after a while, there are some general, core principles each should know. Let’s break it down step by step to help you hit your first confident forehand.

1. The Grip

To begin, the racket face should lean slightly toward the ground. This positioning helps form a natural angle with your swing and helps generate topspin. As you gain experience and change your technique, you might experiment with grip adjustments, but this is an excellent starting point for most players.

Pro Tip: Find this grip by shaking hands with the racket. Use your non-dominant hand to tilt the racket face slightly toward the ground, then grip the handle near the bottom with your dominant hand to lock this position in place.

2. Footwork

Good footwork gives the base for strong forehands. As a right-handed player:

• Step into every shot with your left foot first.

This habit encourages forward momentum and ensures that your body weight supports the swing. While higher-level players don’t need to focus as much on this step, it’s a good habit that will help you build consistency and power as a beginner.

3. The Swing

The flow of the forehand swing is what makes it effective:

• Take the racket back to set up for the shot.
• Swing the racket underneath the ball.
• Finish high and over your shoulder, like you’re throwing the racket behind your back.

This movement—low to high—is universal and will give your shot control as well as power. Although each person’s swing will be a little different, the foundation will remain very solid with these fundamentals.

Pro Tip: Imagine brushing the ball with your racket strings. This motion helps generate topspin, which gives the ball an arcing trajectory. Instead of flying over the fence, the ball will stay within the court while still allowing you to hit with power and control.

4. Where to Hit the Ball

Timing and positioning are everything when one attempts a clean forehand. The ball is to be hit:

• Just in front of you, and slightly toward the right side of your body from your perspective—for right-handed players.

Avoid hitting the ball too close to your body, as it will restrict your swing and limit your follow-through. By focusing on this ideal contact point, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and effective stroke.

Final Thoughts

The forehand might be simple, but perfecting it does take practice and attention to detail. Concentrate on these four fundamentals: grip, footwork, swing, and contact point. With time and consistency, you will develop a forehand that will become your most reliable weapon on the court. Remember, every pro player started where you are now—keep practicing, and you’ll see progress with every swing!