PROBLEM You’re a flat-ball hitter. This is a huge disadvantage when you’re trying angled shots, offensive lobs, or safe, high rally balls. You’ve heard the term “brush up the back of the ball” more than you can stand, and you finish your swing up high over your shoulder, but there’s still no topspin. SOLUTION While [...]

Carlos Moya uses a huge backswing and excellent body rotation to power his open-stance forehand. PREPARATION RACQUET: Moya brings his racquet back above head level. Starting his swing from this point will enable him to generate plenty of racquethead speed. In order to take such a large swing you need time to measure the ball. [...]

A simple change in footwork will put you in perfect position for your inside-out forehand PROBLEM You’re late getting to the ball on your inside-out forehand. As a result, you don’t hit the shot properly and end up out of position and on the defensive for the rest of the point. This usually happens because [...]

A big forehand can help you climb to the top of the club ladder. To hit the inside-out forehand, or runaround forehand, remember to backpedal quickly and keep your racquet up high as you move into position. Once there, be sure to swing out and give the ball a ride. Adding a weapon, no matter [...]

One of the most common errors among beginning and intermediate players is hitting the forehand with a careful, abbreviated motion instead of taking a full swing. While it’s not realistic to expect a 3.0 player to take the same roundhouse swipe that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Amelie Mauresmo use on their forehands, a good shoulder [...]

Pushing with your dominant shoulder will give your stroke added pop and penetration.   PROBLEM  Your forehand lacks depth and power. A possible reason for this is that in an effort to increase racquet-head speed you prematurely whip open your front shoulder. This pulls your racquet toward the center of the court and away from [...]