How to Hit a Forehand Ground Stroke in Tennis
The forehand ground stroke is one of the most important fundamentals of tennis. Make sure you learn it right - you'll be using the ground stroke to cover about two-thirds of the baseline area.
Things You'll Need
- Tennis Shirts
- Tennis Shoes
- Tennis Shorts
- Tennis Socks
- Sports Drinks
- Tennis Bag
- Tennis Balls
- Tennis Racquets
- Sports drinks
Instructions
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1
Choose one of several grips - Continental, Eastern, Semi-Western, or Western - depending on your style and manner of play. (See "How to Grip a Tennis Racket" under Related eHows.)
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2
Assume the ready position.
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3
Turn your shoulders and, with the help of your opposite arm, start bringing the racket back.
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4
Swing the racket straight back or in a loop style. The faster the ball is coming, the quicker and straighter the backswing will be.
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5
Hit the ground stroke with an open stance (feet and shoulders facing the net) or closed stance (crossing over with one foot), depending on preference and situation.
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6
Throw the racket head into the ball, extending the arm completely. You should make contact with the ball at a point several inches in front of your body.
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7
Finish with the racket up and over the opposite shoulder.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Practice hitting crosscourt first; this is the most commonly used shot. Crosscourt shots have the highest percentage of staying in - the ball travels over the lowest point of the net and has a greater distance to travel before going out.
Practice hitting off the wall to establish good contact awareness, consistency and shot variation.
Tennis is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.