How to Hit a Tennis Forehand Step by Step

The forehand is often the first stroke beginners learn and remains a cornerstone of every player’s game. A well‑executed forehand combines proper grip, stance, swing and follow‑through to generate power and control. This comprehensive guide walks you through the mechanics of a forehand, offering drills, common mistakes and tips for players at all levels.

1. Choosing the Right Grip

Your grip sets the foundation for your forehand. Each grip influences your ability to generate topspin, handle high or low balls and adapt to different surfaces. Common grips include:

Eastern grip – Place the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racquet handle. This neutral grip offers a balance of power and spin, making it popular among beginners and all‑court players.
Semi‑Western grip – Rotate your hand one bevel further underneath the handle. This grip facilitates topspin and is used by many modern baseline players.
Western grip – Rotate further underneath so the palm is almost under the handle. It maximizes topspin but can be challenging on low balls.
Continental grip – Place the hand on the second bevel. Rarely used for forehands today, but it’s the grip for serves, volleys and slices.

Experiment with each to find the one that complements your style. Many players start with an Eastern or Semi‑Western grip before adjusting based on comfort and court speed.

2. Ready Position and Preparation

Begin in a balanced ready position: feet shoulder‑width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet and both hands on the racquet. Keep the racquet head at waist level and your eyes on your opponent. When you see the ball coming to your forehand side:

Turn your shoulders – Rotate your upper body so your non‑dominant shoulder points toward the net. This coil stores energy for the swing.
Set your feet – Step forward with your left foot (if you’re right‑handed) into either a neutral stance (feet parallel) or closed stance (front foot ahead), depending on your comfort and court position.
Unit turn – Moving the racquet back and turning simultaneously (known as the unit turn) prevents taking the racquet back too late.

3. The Backswing

The backswing sets the path for a clean and powerful shot. Key elements include:

Low racquet position – Drop the racquet head below the level of the ball. This ensures you can brush up on the ball to impart topspin.
Relaxed arm – Keep your hitting arm loose. Gripping too tightly can cause tension and hinder fluid motion.
Loop or straight backswing – Some players use a looped motion, drawing the racquet down and around before moving forward; others use a more compact straight take‑back. Both can be effective as long as timing is consistent.

4. Forward Swing and Contact

Accelerate the racquet toward the ball using your legs, hips and shoulders. Key steps:

Weight transfer – Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot. Push off the ground with your back leg to generate power.
Brush up – Swing from low to high, brushing up on the ball. This motion creates topspin, causing the ball to dip into the court and adding margin for error.
Keep your eyes on the ball – Watch the ball until just after contact to improve timing.
Contact point – Strike the ball in front of your body, around waist height. Early contact allows you to direct the ball and maintain balance.

5. Follow‑Through and Finish

After contact, your motion should continue smoothly:

Extension – Extend your arm toward your target, keeping the racquet face facing slightly up.
Wrap over shoulder – Finish high, with the racquet wrapping over your non‑dominant shoulder. This high finish encourages topspin and completes the kinetic chain.
Recovery – Quickly return to the ready position. Proper recovery prepares you for the next shot and maintains court balance.

Common Mistakes

Beginning players often develop habits that hinder their forehand. Avoid these pitfalls:

Late preparation – Starting the backswing too late results in rushed contact and mishits.
Over‑gripping – Holding the racquet too tightly restricts fluid motion.
No weight transfer – Swinging with only your arm yields weak shots. Use your legs and core to drive through the ball.
Finishing too low – Failing to finish high can cause the ball to sail long or into the net.

Drills for Improvement

Practice is vital for mastering the forehand. Incorporate these drills into your training:

Shadow swings – Without a ball, practice the entire motion slowly, focusing on technique and rhythm. Repeat 10–20 times.
Short‑court forehands – Start closer to the net and rally using mini swings. Gradually move back to baseline as your consistency improves.
Crosscourt rally – Rally with a partner crosscourt, aiming to keep the ball deep and maintain consistency. Crosscourt shots travel over the lowest part of the net and give you more court to aim for.
Target practice – Place cones or markers in the back corners and practice hitting them. Vary height and spin.
Transition drills – Hit a series of groundstrokes and finish with a forehand approach shot followed by a volley. This builds footwork and anticipation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grip is best for beginners?

Most beginners start with an Eastern grip because it offers a good balance of control and spin. As you develop, you may experiment with a Semi‑Western grip to generate more topspin.

How can I generate more power on my forehand?

Focus on using your entire body: start with a strong coil (shoulder turn), shift your weight forward and whip the racquet through the ball. A relaxed arm and wrist help accelerate the racquet head.

Why does my forehand go into the net?

Common reasons include not getting low enough (leading to flat contact), hitting the ball late or failing to brush up. Lower your stance, make contact earlier and exaggerate the low‑to‑high swing path.

How can I create topspin?

Use a Semi‑Western or Western grip, drop the racquet below the ball and swing up through contact. The brushing motion combined with a slightly closed racquet face will impart topspin.

Conclusion

Mastering the forehand requires attention to grip, preparation, swing and follow‑through. With consistent practice, deliberate drills and awareness of common mistakes, you can develop a reliable and powerful forehand that forms the backbone of your tennis game. Keep refining your technique and enjoy watching your forehand become a weapon on court.