Forehand Tactics to Play a Winning Tennis GameForehand tactics are critical to ending points to finish the tennis match with a win. When you execute the 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.
We use two shuffle steps and a hop to get in the final preparation for hitting the inside-in or inside-out forehand. Step inside the baseline with a semi-open stance as you adjust to the short 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, you need to be ready to run to the other side. If you’re not prepared for it, then the ball may go right by you. When your opponent hits to the forehand side, you take off like a sprinter. 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 cross court or down the line. (You can also use the extension roll forehand in The ACE System.) Go out and apply this information on the shuffle steps and hop, semi-open stance, where to contact the ball for the inside-in and inside-out forehand, and how to take the ball on the rise. You’ll be amazed at these strategies the next time you have the opportunity to try them out on your opponent in match play or in a tournament. |
