5. Forehand & Backhand

Forehand

The tennis forehand is essential for a player to keep a game going by rallying with the opponent and scoring from the baseline. To hit a forehand, the player:

• Turns non-dominant shoulder towards the net
• Drops the head of the racket behind him/her
• Swings low to high (out and up)
• Steps diagonally towards the ball with non-dominant foot
• Finishes with the elbow bent and the racket above the shoulder

Watch the instructional video on how to perform a forehand 

Backhand

The tennis backhand is known as one of the least practiced tennis strokes. A player either hits a backhand with one or two hands and can generate topspin and power if performed well. To hit a backhand, the player:

• Turns dominant shoulder towards the net
• Drops the head of the racket behind him/her
• Swings low to high (out and up)
• Steps diagonally towards the ball with non-dominant foot
• Finishes with the elbow bent and the racket above the shoulder

Watch the instructional video on how to perform a backhand