| The Right Grip | | | | game. |
| To play like the pros, or even to get started, you have | | | | Using Topspin |
| to understand that there are different ways to grip the | | | | Hitting topspin requires an upward swing and requires |
| tennis racquet for different types of shots. Without the | | | | plenty of practice. Hitting the ball with the top edge of |
| right type of grip, you may not be controlling the ball as | | | | the racquet and swinging upward should give you all of |
| much as you need to and you may be putting yourself | | | | the topspin you need. It is also important to try and hit |
| at a disadvantage. | | | | the ball far out in front of you, if possible. |
| Most beginning players are taught the Easter Forehand | | | | Most players use the Western grip when hitting |
| Grip. To use the Eastern Forehand, shake hands with | | | | topspin. The Western Forehand grip is pictured here. |
| the racquet. The knuckle of the index finger should be | | | | Although it is possible to use the Eastern Forehand |
| on the long beveled side on the racquet's face side. | | | | grip, long-term the use of the Continental grip is |
| You can also use a continental grip and rotate the | | | | discouraged as it puts undue additional stress on the |
| hand clockwise slightly. This picture illustrates the | | | | arm. |
| Eastern Forehand Grip in detail. | | | | Using the Entire Body |
| Striking the Ball | | | | In hitting a powerful forehand, it is important to involve |
| When returning a volley, it is important to have the right | | | | the whole body. If you limit your motions to your arm, |
| technique in how and where you strike the ball. Having | | | | you will not get the velocity and effectiveness you |
| the right grip is essential and is a topic we covered | | | | need to hit winning shots. This is where it is important |
| above. Beyond that, set yourself before your shot if | | | | to involve the leg muscles in your forehand. Bending |
| you can. If you're on the run, you'll obviously have to | | | | your knees before hitting the ball (and then |
| make do, but if you're not, don't make things harder | | | | straightening them when you hit) will allow you to get |
| than they have to be. | | | | more power behind your forehand. |
| As the ball approaches, you should be in full backswing | | | | You can also rotate the entire upper body when |
| ready to rotate your body toward the ball. Once the | | | | striking the ball. The rotation of the shoulders and torso |
| ball approaches, try to hit it as far out front as you | | | | will provide a more powerful hit on the ball. It is also |
| reasonably can. Waiting until it is too late can result in | | | | essential to have complete follow through. When you |
| weak and inaccurate shots. Finally, concentrate on | | | | are done with your shot the racquet should be above |
| follow-through. The picture here shows the proper | | | | chin height and fully on the left side of the body (for |
| technique as outlined by Roger Federer. Imitate that to | | | | right-handed players). |
| the best of your ability, and you'll be way ahead of the | | | | |