National

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS: CONTROL YOUR FOREHAND

March 15, 2018


We’re going to show you a simple activity to get you playing tennis fast.

 

This self-rally drill is perfect for beginners and it will get you hitting the forehand and learning to control the ball's height. If you're playing tennis for the first time, whether your'e an adult or a child, using a red-dot ball – a tennis ball that is slightly larger with less bounce – will help you master the basics and get the playing the game quicker.

With your palm or thumb facing up, tap the ball up to eye height, let it bounce and then catch it with your other hand.

 

The goal is to get sideways to the ball by moving the feet and turning the shoulders. After you're successful catching the ball, you can then continue to tap it up after each bounce.


With self-rally practice, you are on your way to hitting the forehand with control and height.

Leah Friedman works at the USTA National Campus at Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla.

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