| This article is all about preparation on our forehand, this | | | | work on. |
| is often overlooked by many player but is key in order | | | | Most professionals keep their free hand on the racket |
| to produce a quality stroke. | | | | throat which helps initiate the turn and ensure correct |
| I frequently encounter errors of preparation on the | | | | positioning of the arm before letting go. The position of |
| forehand whilst working with amateurs. When you | | | | the free arm can also assist in distancing the player |
| watch the pro's they always use a split-step just | | | | laterally from the ball and keeping the ball at that arm's |
| before their opponent hits the ball this allows them to | | | | length will prevent crowding the swing. Tennis is a |
| change direction quickly and effectively. | | | | simple game if we correct the basics. |
| Club players often find themselves with their body in | | | | Good footwork is the final part of our work in this |
| the way of the stroke and have trouble establishing | | | | article. Attention must be paid to planting your back |
| the correct distance from the ball laterally. | | | | foot to the inside of where the shot will be struck. |
| Keep your head still, track the ball all the way onto the | | | | Make sure that the foot is not outside or even inline |
| strings and make sure your shoulders are level. Doing | | | | with the ball's path. Applying this movement in the |
| all these things will help to alleviate the problem. It is | | | | correct way stops unnecessary 'pulling' of the shot |
| also vitally important to rotate hips, trunk and shoulders | | | | due to lack of space and helps eliminate errors. Once |
| (in that order) until the shoulders are sideways to the | | | | you find the correct position, load your weight on your |
| target. This sideways turn creates a kinetic chain, of | | | | back leg - then you have prepared perfectly and can |
| which the racket is the final linking piece. The forehand | | | | look forward to making a successful shot. |
| drive in tennis is a great weapon that all players must | | | | |