Forehand Strike
A forehand strike is a fundamental hitting technique used in racquet sports such as tennis, badminton, and squash. It involves striking the ball or shuttlecock with the palm-facing side of the racquet-hand. The forehand strike is versatile and is often used for both defensive and offensive plays.
Teaching tips
Use KIDDO’s teaching tips to help children develop their forehand strike:
- Ready: Stand side on to the ball and knees bent
- Reach to the wall: Racquet pulled way back
- Step: With the opposite foot when contacting the ball
- Follow through: Reach over shoulder on opposite side of body
Hitting against a wall, with a family member, or towards a target is a great way to develop the forehand strike at home. You can also use whatever equipment you have at home, and does not need to be a tennis racquet and ball.
Common errors
- Gripping the racquet too tight, reducing control and flexibility.
- Swinging too hard, leading to loss of accuracy and timing.
- Poor foot positioning.
- Not watching the ball.
- Swinging across the body.
- Not following through.
- Too much wrist movement.
- Leaning backwards while hitting, reducing power and stability.