Do you want to learn how to hit forehands the way the pros do?

The modern forehand technique is one of the reasons why today’s tennis game is so fast paced and why players hit the tennis ball harder than ever before.

3 tips to start practicing the modern forehand:

1). The take back

The take back of the modern forehand has a circular shape and is initiated by the hip turn and by the racket "setting". During this turn the racket tip is slightly forward while the racket is being held and supported by the non-dominant hand (this also provides shoulder turn). This creates greater racket head speed by allowing the racket head to travel further and faster than the hand.

2). Low-to-high swing pattern

Topspin is the name of the game. To hit topspin, the racket must accelerate from a position well below contact point and finish well above contact point.  This is done with a "closed" racket face (the racket face is angled towards facing the ground).

3). Continuous movement and Acceleration
The correct tennis forehand swing path is smooth, continuous and connected to the lower body and non-dominant side.  After the initial set of the racket, there may be a slow down (if you have lots of time) or a speed up (if you have very little time). The forward swing is typically faster (acceleration) than the take back.  Hitting topspin actually slows the ball down.  So a fast swing is necessary to succeed.

If you have a hard time achieving a continuous swing or practicing the low-to-high swing, use a ServeMaster tennis training tool. It's weighted and flexible, so it drops by itself and lags behind the hitting hand. You can practice the motion in both open and closed stance. See video below

WATCH OUR NEW VIDEO: Hit the Modern Forehand with ServeMaster

Get ServeMaster Tennis Training Tool on our website:

Need help with your toss? Check out our previous blog post: "Tossing the Ball for Serve"