Tennis Forehand Return
A return stroke is tennis's second most important stroke (after the serve).
1. Grip
a. Use
Eastern Forehand (3) or Semi-Western (4), with index knuckle on bevel (3) or
(4)
2. Preparation
(before incoming ball bounces)
a. Once the
server's ball has been launched, one should creep toward the best position and
do a split step before hitting the ball
b. Prepare
for the stroke early: yell "forehand" or "backhand" and get
ready right away
c. For fast
incoming balls, use the Open Stance (no time for the Closed Stance)
d. In Open
Stance, load up the right leg (70% right, 30% left), right food pointing 90
degrees.
e. Setup
left arm and right arm in the "L" position. The left arm should move the
right arm into the correct position. The left arm tracks the ball. The right arm should
move half the distance of a standard forehand drive (to minimize lag) - there is
no time for a full forehand backswing!
f. You
should visualize the height and direction of the returned ball. Aim for the opponent's baseline (to avoid the opponent volleying the ball back)
3. Forehand
Return (Blocking Stroke)
a. When the
incoming ball bounces, breathe in and start the forehand stroke
b. Be sure
to accelerate
gradually (not suddenly) and build up maximum racket speed when about
to hit the ball. You may need to initiate strokes earlier than you're used
to. Making the noise of "vrrrooooom" will help you to achieve this
new timing.
c. Meet the ball with the right arm slightly bent at waist level (the ball should be 1-1.5
feet in front of your body) while breathing out
4. Completion
a. The chest
should be facing forward on completion
b. Finish
the stroke with the right arm near the shoulder and elbow pointed at the
opponent
c. Move your
head to observe the ball's travel
5. Refinement
a. Rock between
left and right foot to a rhythm (like Roger Federer)
b. Split-stepping
is extremely important to allow one to quickly move laterally
c. According
to Jorge
Capestany, it is essential to start creeping forward to maintain forward
momentum while waiting for a serve.
i. Once the
server's ball has been launched, one should move toward the best position and
do a split step before hitting the ball
ii. Prepare
for the stroke early: yell forehand or backhand and get ready right away
d. According
to Ian, there
are 3 types of returns possible:
i. For big
serves, tap it in (defensive response). There is no time for the backswing. Just try to meet the ball with your racket.
ii. For
medium serves, guiding the ball with a drive (defensive response). Use a
shortened backswing for both forehand and backhand
iii. For weak
serves, hit the ball like a groundstroke (offensive response)
Return Tips
1. During a
return, hold both hands together on the racket, open up immediately
1. Mistake
1: Getting Too Jammed (getting too close to the ball)
a. Keep your
hips facing the net more (don't turn sideways)
b. Come out
of your slip step, and step to the side
c. Keep
moving to the side after ball contact (and as you swing)
d. Step back
1-2 feet from the baseline (if too close)
2. Mistake
2: You're Late on Your Return
a. Why?
i. Not making a good first move to the ball
ii. Not
finishing correctly
iii. When
you're late, you will be more reactive than proactive
. Solution:
i. Take your
quick first move; by the time the ball crosses the net
ii. Hold the
racket pointing down
iii. Prepare
the racket early
iv. Step into
the ball
v. Finish
with your hands in front (catch your racket with your free hand)
3. Mistake
3: You're Miss-hitting Too Many Returns
a. Why?
i. Not using
your body efficiently
ii. You are
over-rotating on your forehand or backhand
iii. Bringing
the racket down too fast after the swing
b Solution:
i. Do not
over-rotate into the shot
ii. Keep the
body more stable and sideways
iii. Hold the
finish
iv. Rotate
less
4. Mistake
4: You're Not Aiming the Right Way
a. Why?
i. No
specific target identified
b. Solution:
i. Aim for
Deep down the middle to your opponent's weaker side
ii. Aim for
your opponent's feet!
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