Photo Lesson: The Basic Eastern Forehand

One video frame (1/30 second) before contact: Here, the racquet head is more than a foot below the ball, indicating that it will be rising significantly as it meets the ball. The strings will brush up the back of the ball, creating topspin. Having the racquet dropped somewhat below the hand at this point is normal for an advanced stroke. It helps to enhance the topspin. As with laying the wrist back slightly, this isn't a technique beginners should use deliberately, but if a beginner is doing this naturally to the mild extent seen here, it's not a problem.