The forehand is extremely important. It is the most crucial shot after the serve and the return. That's why dedicating time to master the forehand is key. In today's tennis lesson, Coach Leon is here to guide you through the process of achieving the perfect forehand in a few simple steps with his student Constance.

Drill 1 - Net Skims
A shadow swing exercise to fix the forehand technique. Here, the goal is to delicately skim the net with the racket, emphasising a steep swing path. We're paying close attention to the wrist movement as well, laying the foundation for a brushing motion that we'll incorporate later in the lesson. The key takeaway here is that a 'too horizontal' swing path might lead to thicker contact with the net or even hinder the completion of the swing. So, starting from the racket's throat, drop the head, and execute a nice, steep swing path to gracefully brush the top of the net.

Drill 2 - Drop and roll
Moving on to our second drill, we're now taking Constance from the shadow swings to actually making contact with the ball. At this point, we're gradually progressing to a full swing, and she's using half of the racket to simplify the exercise and for added control. The focus remains on emulating that same steep swing path from the previous drill, with a keen emphasis on brushing up the back of the ball and executing a smooth wrist roll.

However, I did observe a slight tendency for Constance to shift her weight onto her back foot during the shot, which can compromise the overall power of the shot. We made an initial attempt to address this habit, and while it still needs refinement, there was noticeable improvement.

Drill 3 - From the Service Line
Now, let's delve into the next phase of our forehand refinement journey with Constance. We made a transition to a full grip and a complete range of motion swing, all the while keeping a keen focus on the technical pointers from the earlier drills. Initially, we approached this at a moderate pace, ensuring that Constance could grasp the small changes in her new swing. Once comfortable, we kicked it up a notch, increasing the acceleration of the swing. It's noteworthy that the faster you accelerate the racket through the shot, the more topspin you can generate, granted the technique is performed correctly.

Why the emphasis on topspin, you might wonder? Well, topspin isn't just a fancy term – it's a game-changer in tennis. It's the secret sauce that makes the ball dip down and into the court. This spin allows players to unleash maximum force while still ensuring the ball finds its way within the lines. It's a strategy essential for excelling on the court and tapping into your full potential.

Drill 4 - Reduced Backswing

We're now addressing the backswing that's just a tad too extensive. By slightly reducing the backswing, we aim to secure a more consistent point of contact, positioned in front of her body. This adjustment not only facilitates more power into her shots but also allows for effective engagement of the wrist to allow for more topspin effect.

To guide Constance through this correction, I've strategically placed a basket behind her, serving as a tangible marker for where the backswing should stop. This physical object acts as a practical barrier, preventing any tendency to overswing and providing a clear visual cue for a controlled backswing.

Moreover, I've placed significant emphasis on cultivating a more substantial finish. The objective is clear: less swing before contact and an extended follow through after the point of contact. This refined balance in the swing dynamics will not only contribute to enhanced consistency but also pave the way for a forehand that seamlessly combines power and topspin.

Drill 5 - Exaggerate the Topspin

Now you can see me demonstrating some forehands from the baseline. In this particular drill, I'm encouraging her to exaggerate the topspin by intentionally hitting before the service line. Admittedly, this tactic isn't something you'd strategically employ in a match since hitting shorter provides the opponent with a better chance to counterattack. However, this intentional deviation from the norm serves a valuable purpose – reinforcing the steeper swing path we've been working on.


Drill 6 - Let it rip

In the finale drill of our session, I have asked Constance to put all the pieces together and swing freely. Shifting gears, I'm now feeding from the other side of the court, making it more realistic to a rally ball. This adjustment not only adds a layer of complexity but also demands a simultaneous focus on footwork and positioning, replicating the dynamic challenges of a real match.