Fundamental #2: Take the Racket Back
The second thing you see professionals do when hitting a forehand is to take
the racket back with the hitting arm.
While doing this they will extend their non-hitting arm across their
body. This also helps to judge the ball
as it is approaching. The non hitting
arm should be shoulder high and approximately parallel to the baseline.
In this video you will see the correct technique for taking the racket back
from professionals Oliver Akli and Marat Safin.
The high speed video shows their preparation for hitting a correct
forehand.
Fundamental #3: Swing to Contact
The third thing that professional players do when hitting the forehand is
swing to the contact point. There are 4
things that happen simultaneously when you swing to contact the ball. Push off the outside foot, rotate the body
back towards the net, drop the racket down and swing forward. The path that the racquet travels to get to
the contact point will look very similar to a “C”. Some people also say it looks like the Nike
Swoosh logo. This racket path will get
you to the contact point and will help you to get top spin on the ball.
This video has examples of the correct technique from Frank Salazar, former
number 1 ranked Junior and Professional Tennis Coach, and former US Open
Champion Marat Safin. Both players have
perfect forehand fundamentals.
Fundamental #4: Follow Through
After contacting the ball is the fourth fundamental of the forehand, the
follow through. After contacting the
ball you want to extend your arm in the direction of the shot and then turn
your forearm and wrist over like you are reading a watch. The racket will continue across your body in
a smooth and relaxed motion. Also
continue to rotate your upper body after you have made contact. All these things will help you to decelerate
the tennis racket and your body smoothly.
This will help conserve energy and prevent injury.
This video features examples of the correct technique from Frank Salazar and
professional tennis player Andy Roddick.
Notice that both players turn their wrist over and “check the time”
after they have contacted the ball. Andy’s
follow through is a little different that Franks but both players rotate their
wrists and bring the racquet across their body in a smooth and relaxed motion.
Fundamental #5: Swing Path
This video shows the swing path your racket travels from the start of your
forehand through the contact and follow through. One key element to take away form this video
is that once you release the racket with your non hitting hand you should never
stop moving. The swing should be smooth
and effortless. Also remember that the
tennis racket does not start slowing down until after you have made contact
with the ball. It is a common mistake to
start decelerating before you have made contact with the ball.
This video features correct forehand technique from Frank
Salazar.
Next - The Tennis Forehand - Step by Step Instruction and Practice Techniques
