Basic Eastern Forehand Video with Analysis

Of the two best known, free video players in which you can watch the video that illustrates this tennis lesson on the basic eastern forehand, the RealPlayer (for RM) is more likely to work in Firefox than the Windows Media Player (for WMV). These tennis videos take only seconds to download.

watch WMV video (60 KB)

watch RM video (30 KB)

This is a classic, Eastern topspin forehand.

Key points:

• Eastern forehand grip: Center your palm on the plane of the handle that is parallel to the plane of the string bed.
• Square stance: Align your feet so that a line from the back foot through the front foot runs parallel to the sideline.
• Forward, linear power production: Generate power by pushing forward and upward with your legs and swinging your racquet mostly in a line perpendicular to the net, forward and upward. Lift your body weight with your front leg during the swing, keeping little or no weight on the back foot.
• Small adjusting steps: Take at least three little steps before every swing to develop precise positioning. Take a larger final step toward the ball with your front foot to initiate your forward weight transfer.
• Mid-sized backswing: Many players use a larger backswing loop on Eastern and other forehand styles, but this moderate backswing is simpler and more reliable.
• Low-to-high swing path: Bring the racquet at least one foot below the ball so that you can brush up the back of the ball to create topspin, then finish above your left shoulder.
• Point of contact: Meet the ball roughly even with your front hip.

Related videos:

Eastern Topspin Forehand with Run

Crosscourt Eastern Forehand with Same-Side Follow-Through