forehand

Forehand is a groundstroke played on the dominant side of the body, typically with the palm facing the direction of travel. In tennis, it is one of the primary strokes and is often contrasted with the backhand. The term is also used in other racquet and paddle sports, though technique varies with equipment and court.

Technique centers on a prepared racket position, a coordinating turn of the hips and shoulders, and a forward step as contact occurs out in front of the body. Grips range from eastern to semi-western and western, with the grip choice influencing the racket face angle and spin. The stance may be open for reach or closed for stability. The swing path is usually low-to-high to generate topspin, with the racket accelerating through contact and the follow-through finishing high.

Variations include the flat forehand, which has less topspin and a flatter trajectory; the topspin forehand, which uses pronounced racket rotation for elevated height and margin of error; and the slice forehand, which is used to reduce pace and impart backspin in some contexts. Placement and trajectory vary according to strategy, including cross-court and down-the-line options, and forehands are used to open angles, move an opponent, or finish points.

Common errors include late or early contact, grip mismatches, insufficient weight transfer, and loss of balance. Effective cues emphasize keeping the elbow relaxed and close, transferring weight from the back foot to the front foot, and following through across the body. A reliable forehand forms a foundational component of many players’ games, enabling consistent rallying and point construction.