Forehand Tactics to Play a Winning Tennis Game

Forehand tactics are critical to ending points to finish the tennis match with a win. When you execute what is called the “inside-in” and “inside-out” forehand to perfection and can move your opponent side to side (or go behind him or her), then you are in control of the match. Controlling the open court is the key to your success.

We control the open court by looking for forehands and taking the ball early. This constant pressure will cause your opponent to hit shorter and shorter. As you move up to the ball and take it on the rise, you “rob” your opponent of much needed time to recover. By not giving him or her a chance to “breathe,” you will dominate the match.

We use two shuffle steps and a hop to get in the final preparation for hitting the inside-in or inside-out forehand. We’re already positioned to the left of the center hash mark, so it’s that much easier to get the forehand. Step inside the baseline with a semi-open stance as you adjust to the shorter and shorter balls from your opponent.

Normally we make contact with the ball at the toes of the left foot on the forehand. To go inside-in, you would hit the ball a bit more in front as you swing closer to your body and extend to your ending. On the inside-out, you would extend away from your body and hit the ball slightly behind your normal contact point.

What tennis strategy is used when the ball is hit to the open forehand side? When you’re positioned on the backhand side of the middle hash mark, you need to be thinking about the other side and hitting the running forehand. This mindset allows you to make an explosive move to the other side. If you’re not mentally preparing for it, then the ball may go right by you.

When your opponent hits to the forehand side, you take off like a sprinter to cut the ball off on the angle. You’ll actually prepare to hit the ball with your racket hand higher than normal. Plant your right foot and move diagonally, making contact out in front and even before your left foot lands. Hit the ball flat cross court to the three quarter angle target or down the line. (You can also use the extension roll forehand in The ACE System.)

Go out and apply this information on the starting position, shuffle steps and hop, semi-open stance, where to contact the ball for the inside-in and inside-out forehand, how to take the ball on the rise, and how to hit the running forehand. You’ll be amazed at these forehand tactics the next time you have the opportunity to try them out on your opponent in match play or in a tournament.

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